LGBTQ+ organizations are hosting two Lavender Graduations for LGBTQ+ students in Savannah and Statesboro graduating this month. Savannah Pride Center, Boro Pride, and Georgia Equality are hosting the graduation ceremonies as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students.
The Savannah ceremony will be held on April 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at a location to be shared with RSVP. The Statesboro ceremony will be hosted at the Honey Bowen Building on April 29 at 6 p.m. All graduates will receive a silk lavender cord, and friends and family are welcome. Food and drinks will be provided at both ceremonies.
Those who cannot attend can still RSVP to have their name announced and receive the cord.
The Lavender Graduation is an annual tradition founded in 1995 by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, after she witnessed LGBTQ+ students and families being excluded from traditional ceremonies. The Lavender Graduation Legacy Project offers a step-by-step planning toolkit, Zoom workshops and consultations, and sample agendas for organizations interested in hosting an event.
“In a world that doesn’t always make space for our stories, we create our own,” Savannah Pride Center wrote on social media. “Loudly. Proudly. Together.”
Related stories:
• Georgia educator forced to resign after telling a student she was gay
• LGBTQ+ group endorses Jason Esteves for Georgia governor
