University of Georgia | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center

Lavender Graduation

Lavendar Graduation 2011 Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that acknowledges the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ students on UGA’s campus. Through this recognition, LGBTQ students are provided with a positive experience at the university, encouraging them to continue their connections to the university, other students, and other alumnus.

UGA’s first Lavender Graduation was held in Memorial Hall Ballroom in 2005. During this ceremony, 10 graduates and 15 alumnae/i were honored with Lavender Diplomas. In addition, the graduates were given rainbow tassels to wear at the university-wide graduation. Patricia Cain, 1973 UGA School of Law graduate and author of the book Rainbow Rights, was the keynote speaker. Asa Green was also honored with the first annual Founder's Award for his work co-founding the Committee on Gay Education, UGA’s first LGBT student organization founded in 1971 which later became known as Lambda Alliance (http://ugalambda.wordpress.com).

2012 Lavender Graduation

This year's Lavender Graduation will be held April 28, 2012 in Memorial Ballroom at 2:00pm.If you are interested in begin recognized at this year's Lavender Graduation, please complete the Lavender Graduation Registration form by March 15th.

Lavender Graduation Application 2012

We also invite faculty members to participate in the ceremony in full regalia. If you would like to partcipate, please complete the faculty registration form.

Faculty Registration Form

If you have any suggestions for speakers for Lavender Graduation, please submit your suggestion by filling out the nomination form below.

LGBT Speaker Nomination Form

Criteria for Lavender Graduation Speakers are as follows:

Must be a University of Georgia Alum
Must be out and recognized as a member of the LGBTQ community

Please include significant accomplishments with regard to the LGBTQ community and/or what makes them a good candidate for speaker of Lavender Graduation.

Graduation History

2011	Keynote: Tyler Helms	Graduates: 27
2009	Keynote: Diego Sanchez UGA Alum of the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication and the first openly transgender staff member on Capitol Hill	Graduates: 12
2008	Keynote: LeeAnn Jones "Double Dawg" Alumna with an AB and JD from UGA. LeeAnn is currently a partner with Powell Goldstein LLC in Atlanta.
2007	Keynote: Vernon Wall Former UGA staff member, author, & social justice educator	Graduates: 18
2006	Keynote: Cathy Woolard UGA Graduate & first openly LGBT person elected in the State of Georgia	Graduates: 13
2005	Keynote: Patricia Cain UGA Law School Graduate & author of Rainbow Rights	Graduates: 10

For more information about Lavender Graduation, contact at lgbt@uga.edu.