LGBTQA Initiatives recognizes students ‘because they deserve it’

Barbara Brites/Staff Writer

Two colors that once symbolized the oppression of the LGBTQ community have since been merged to celebrate the accomplishments of the community in a nationwide event called the Lavender Graduation.

FIU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Allies Organization is hosting, for the second year, a city-wide Lavender Graduation for students of the LGBTQA recognized for their academic achievements, leadership and volunteer work to the general and FIU community.

This event is one of the few venues, which brings together the entire LGBTQA community in a safe space, according to Gisela Vega, associate director of LGBTQA and organizer of the Lavender Graduation.

“We open our doors to recognize all LGBTQ students who have attain an academic achievement of graduation,” Vega said to Student Media.

The ceremony is open for all high school, college and graduate students as well as students doing community service or research in the issues of sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

“I was so proud to have been recognized by FIU’s first city-wide Lavender [Graduation]. Of all the recognitions I’ve received in academia, this is definitely the closest to home,” said Janessa Brito, a lawyer, who attended last year’s graduation. “This one is for those who have heard ‘You won’t make it very far because you are a minority,’ Yes, you can and indeed you will go far. Thank you to the LGBT Initiatives at FIU.”

Last year, the ceremony had a total of 40 graduating students and this year they expect more students from different schools.

“This event is really important because the reality is that this group is often marginalized a lot and many of this students are kicked out of their homes; 40 percent of homeless youth is identified as LGBT,” Vega said. “In the face of adversity, they have been resilient so we do recognition for them because they deserve it.”

The night will feature a dinner, motivational speakers and music from the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus and Somnio String Quartet.

“A lot of our high school kids need role models; that is why we have motivational speakers that will speak that night so they will hear that this is worth while. Getting an education can open doors for you,” Vega said. “We want to show students that there is life after high school and there is life after college.”

The students who are graduating will get a lavender medallion that they get to wear in their graduation.

According to Vega, lavender is a significant color in the LGBT community.

The two colors were used during Nazi Germany to identify members of the LGBTQ community in concentration camps. Men were given a pink triangle and women who were considered lesbians or who deemed mentally ill were given a black triangle. The creator of the lavender graduation, Ronni Sanlo, used the mixing of the two colors to turn it into something positive.

The lavender graduation has been around since the mid 80’s and the first one held at FIU was back in 1996.

Two years ago, they included everyone in the Miami Dade area and some of the Broward County schools.

Vega said that their goal is not only to recognize students, but to make them feel appreciated and provide a platform for them where they can connect with well-minded individuals who value education and the importance of being engaged in their community.

“If you are LGBTQA, this is your perfect opportunity to stop and give yourself credit for what you have accomplished,” Vega said.

The free-for-students ceremony will take place Monday, April 24, 2017 at 6 p.m. in the Graham Center Ballroom.

To participate, students must send an email to lgbt@fiu.edu including their name, school, degree and major (if applicable). Guests and donors can buy tickets via their Eventbrite page.