Lavender ceremony honors record number of students

The Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexuality. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995, with just three graduates.

On a sunny mid-May afternoon City College held a Lavender Graduation ceremony on the campus’ Curran Square.  It was a joyous event by all accounts, with students, family members and faculty gathering to celebrate the achievements of the college’s LGBTQIA+ graduates.

San Diego City College will hold an in-person commencement ceremony for the first time in three years at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on May 26 from 5-7 p.m.