Lavender Graduations are celebrations that honor graduates of the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Ronni Sanlo of the University of Michigan was inspired to hold the first Lavender Graduation in 1995 after she was unable to attend her own children's graduations due to her sexual orientation. The Lavender Graduation has become a way for universities, colleges, and high schools to create a positive memory and celebrate LGBTQIA+ students' accomplishments. 

Why Lavender?

Lavender is a color that was once weaponized against those who were openly gay and those who did not conform to gender norms. LGBTQIA+ civil rights activists of the 1960s reclaimed the color and redefined its use as a symbol of pride to be who they were. Lavender Graduations use this color in celebration, pride, and legacy, connecting the students graduating from their programs to the larger LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.

The Lavender Graduation celebration is a fun event that you may attend where we will recognize LGBTQIA+ students, present stoles, and enjoy meeting as a community. It will not replace the Colleges' Commencement ceremonies, which will have the presentation of diplomas and traditional graduation honors.

Lavender Graduation takes place at the end of April, whereas the college commencement ceremonies take place in May. 

Lavender Graduation is not a formal ceremony—it’s a celebration! The event includes dinner, balloons, photo booths, and a lively atmosphere with a DJ playing popular music to dance to. The ceremony program features inspiring speakers, student recognition, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the moment with friends and supporters.

Schedule:

5:30–6:15 p.m. | Check-in 

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Ceremony – Link to program coming soon

7:30–8:30 p.m. | Reception & Celebration 

Wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and true to yourself. Lavender Graduation is a celebration, not a formal ceremony, so there is no required dress code.

Caps and gowns are welcome but not required. Since photographers will be capturing the event, you may want to wear your regalia or any other outfit that affirms your identity and makes you feel your best. Whether you dress up, keep it casual, or express yourself through cultural or meaningful attire, the most important thing is that you feel like you.

The safety of our graduates is our foremost priority in planning this event.

Upon arrival at Ventura College, LGBTQIA+ and ally volunteers will be available to escort you and your guests to the venue and back to your transportation to ensure a safe and welcoming experience. Campus police will also be present to support the security of the event.

To help maintain a safe and inclusive space, RSVPs are required, and student 900#s will be collected during registration to account for all attendees.

If you plan to attend, be sure to submit your RSVP by April 11—and help spread the word! Lavender Graduation is all about celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community and the people who uplift them. Let your friends know so everyone who wants to be part of the fun can join in on this unforgettable night! 

We are committed to making Lavender Graduation an inclusive and welcoming event for all attendees.

All event spaces, including seating and restrooms, are wheelchair accessible. Gender-inclusive restrooms will be available nearby. A Decompression Room will also be open for anyone who may need a quiet space to step away during the event.

If you require specific accommodations, please let us know when submitting your RSVP. We will do our best to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy and participate in the celebration.

The 2025 Lavender Graduation will be held at Ventura College, and we encourage attendees to plan their transportation in advance. Free parking will be available in the West Lot near the Applied Sciences Center for the closest access to the event.

For those using public transportation, VCTC bus routes provide service to Ventura College—check out the VCTC Transit Routes & Schedules to plan your trip. However, we strongly recommend checking return schedules ahead of time, as some routes may stop running before the event concludes. Please make arrangements for a secure way home if needed.

A limited number of transportation vouchers are available to assist attendees in getting to and from the event. To request one, please contact us after sending in your RSVP. Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photographers will be on-site to capture the celebration and document this special occasion. Photos may be used for college marketing and future Lavender Graduation promotions.

We respect that not everyone wants to be photographed. If you prefer not to be included in photos, you will have the option to wear a red wristband, which signals to photographers that you do not wish to be photographed. Wristbands will be available at check-in.

If you have any questions or concerns about event photography, please reach out in advance or speak with an event staff member on-site.

Lavender Graduation is a celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community, and there will be opportunities to participate beyond attending.

• Nominate a Speaker – In the future, we will seek graduates, students, faculty, and staff interested in sharing their voices through short speeches or reflections during the ceremony.
• Nominate an Individual for a Lavender Graduation Award – Know someone who has made a difference? You’ll be able to nominate students, faculty, staff, or administrators for their outstanding leadership, commitment, and service to the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Volunteer – There will be opportunities to help create a welcoming experience, from assisting with check-in to guiding guests and supporting event logistics.

More details will be shared as these opportunities open up, so stay tuned!