Lavender Ceremony is an annual celebration honoring and acknowledging the achievements of LGBTQ+ graduating seniors at Haverford College.

The ceremony is hosted by the Center of Gender Resources and Sexual Education (GRASE), in partnership with Rainbow Fords and Rainbow Quorum. The event includes:

• presentation of certificates, honor cords, lavender plants, and gift from Rainbow Quorum
• performance and speeches from students, staff, faculty, and alumni
• light brunch refreshments

History of Lavender Graduate Ceremony

Lavender Graduate Ceremony is hosted on many campuses across the country to honor and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other students. The first Lavender Ceremony was created in 1995 at the University of Michigan by then LGBTQ Campus Resource Director, Dr. Ronni Sanlo, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her children because of her sexual orientation.

“Lavender” as LGBTQ+ Resistance

Lavender is significant in LGBTQ+ history. From the pink inverted triangles that gay men were forced to wear, black triangle that lesbian women were designated with in concentration camps, to purple shirts and messaging by Lavender Menace, a lesbian feminist activist group in 1970, the color lavender has been reclaimed during the LGBTQ civil rights movements and became a symbol of our resistance.

Lavender Graduate Ceremony Quick Facts

• The Lavender Graduate Ceremony is hosted in May prior to the College Commencement.
• Any self-identified LGBTQ+ graduating seniors, staff, faculty, and alumni are welcome to participate.
• You don't have to attend Lavender Graduate Ceremony to receive your certificate and lavender honor cords. You're welcome to register and pick them up from the GRASE Center.
• The Lavender Graduate Ceremony does not replace the College Commencement, and you may attend both.
• Students generally wear business casual for the event. We encourage students to wear attire that makes them comfortable and celebratory for the occasion. Students may also wear graduation caps, cords, etc.