The Gender and Sexuality Center celebrated members of the LGBTQ+ community with a Lavender Graduation for the class of 2025 on Thursday, April 17.
The event was first organized in 1995 by Ronnie Sanslow, a member of the LGBT Affairs Office at the University of Michigan. The event honored and celebrated the achievements of LGBTQ+ students who faced marginalization and discrimination in traditional graduation ceremonies.
The event sends a powerful message that LGBTQ+ students are valued members of the academic community and deserve recognition for their accomplishments, according to Michelle Fontes, the assistant vice president for Community, Equity and Diversity. Fontes reminded each graduate that if life is tough for them, they have family at the University of Rhode Island to support them.
“Connect with someone you care about,” Fontes said. “It doesn’t have to be family because sometimes it may be the worst.” “It might be your peer, your advisor; it could be anyone, but connect with people that make you feel good.”
The graduation started with an introductory speech from Manuela Vadis, the assistant director for the GSC and coordinator of the event. Vadis reminded attendees that there is space in the community for everyone to be themselves.
“We cannot overlook the powerful movement we’re living in, one where we continue to witness both triumphs and challenges in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility,” Vadis said.
The community is confronted with the global and national realities of growing resistance, discrimination and attempts to erase identities the GSC works to affirm and protect, according to Vadis.
“The event served as a reminder of how far the community has come, how much they’ve accomplished and the essential work in a world that can’t be overstated.” Vadis said.
The event directly aligns with the mission at the GSC to empower students, faculty and staff to affirm their identities, particularly those related to gender and sexuality, according to Vardis.
At the event, Ana Barraza, the director of the Women’s Center, was awarded Ally of the Year. A social worker at Health Services, Arriele Sherman, got Mentor of the Year. Outstanding Leader was El Fernekees, a fourth-year student. GSC Staff Member of the Year went to Caitlin Porcelli.
Each graduate was invited to walk the stage and receive a sash with a rainbow flag and rainbow ropes to wear at graduation. As each member came to the stage, they shared their favorite LGBTQ+ -related memory and significant achievement at URI.
One student, Kait Schmitz, a fourth-year graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English, said her favorite LGBTQ+ memory was attending Queer Prom. It was her first time being able to attend a school dance. Her significant achievement was getting into a master’s program and achieving a 3.8 GPA.
It was also a recognition of the courage and growth shown in embracing community members for who they are as they move forward.
“As graduates, you are armed not just with knowledge but with the power of a supportive community that stands with you, believes in you and celebrates you for who you are,” Vadis said.
The event ended with gifts for the graduates, which included an alumni magazine.
To stay up to date with GSC events, visit their Instagram @urigenderandsexualitycenter.
