What happens at the Lavender Graduation ceremony?
Speakers from across the HGSE community will address the gathered honorees and guests, commemorating their time at HGSE and looking forward to the future. During the ceremony, faculty, staff, and student leaders celebrate graduating students for their accomplishments and present the graduates with a rainbow stole. QueerEd’s HGSE LGBTQ Advocate Awards will also be awarded during the ceremony.
Who is invited?
Graduating HGSE students and their guests are welcome, as are all HGSE faculty and staff.
Graduates are encouraged to attend and bring family, friends, and other significant individuals in their lives. This may include members of faculty or staff. Guests do not have to be of a certain sexual or gender orientation/identity/expression to participate or attend this year-end celebration.
What is the dress code?
This is a semi-formal event. There is no strict dress code. All clothing has cultural significance and this is a time to wear cultural regalia that honors your histories, yourselves, and this moment. Be thoughtful about what semi-formal means to you. Regalia is not required.
Will there be a reception?
Yes, food and beverages will follow the ceremony.
What is the HGSE QueerEd Advocate Award?
The HGSE QueerEd Advocate Award recognizes people who have made exceptional contributions to the wellbeing and flourishing of LGBTQ people across HGSE this year. Two Harvard QueerEd Advocate Awards will be awarded at the ceremony. One is for a graduating student and one is for a faculty or staff member. Nominations are currently being accepted in the form above. To nominate a student, faculty, or staff member, submit their name and the reason why you are nominating them. The QueerEd Executive Council selects the awardees. QueerEd Executive Council members are not eligible to receive the award.
Can I follow the event if I’m not able to attend?
Yes! Follow QueerEd’s social media channels: Facebook Page, Facebook Group, Instagram, Twitter.
NB: Lavender Graduation does not replace the official HGSE commencement ceremony. You will not receive your diploma until commencement.
