San Diego City College’s Lavender Graduation kicked off its fifth annual celebration with food, photo-ops and a performance from a special guest in MS-140.
Drag queen Raquelita was in attendance for the ceremony, where she gave some encouraging words to the students regarding the ongoing attacks against the LGBTQ+ community around the world.
“Given the times we’re in right now and knowing that the fascist regime is attacking queer and trans people, trying to erase all of us,” Raquelita said. “To those creatures, I say no, we are here.
“Everyone in this room is a witness to all of you graduates who have been utilizing your power to get you where you are right now. You have the power to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve all of your life goals.”
After delivering their speech to the audience, Raquelita performed a dance routine, as the students cheered and waved the pride flag in solidarity.
Students had the opportunity to create their own memories with a photo booth at the back of the room.
A table with accessories was available for students to dress up and add a little extra flair to their photos.
Members of the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees were also in attendance and shared their support for the community.
Board member Craig Milgrim talked about his journey of coming out as a gay man and his fight on the board to advocate for students.
“So here it was 2019, and I got on the board, and after being admonished before I came on board that I could not be a gay trustee, that I couldn’t be that, I, of course, ignored that,” Milgrim said. “I can’t be anything other than a gay trustee. That’s me. When I came here, there were no pride flags anywhere. Now we have four, one at each of the campuses.”
The City College Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
This story was edited by David J. Bohnet and Itzel Martinez.
