On Thursday evening, members of the University of Miami community gathered in the Shalala Student Center Ballroom for the ninth annual Lavender Celebration.
The LGBTQIA+ community has faced, and continues to face, many challenges and obstacles—not only in everyday life but along their academic journey. At the event, Gisela Vega, director of the LGBTQ Student Center, spoke about the resiliency of each student, their contributions to helping create a more inclusive community, and leaving their mark among those they have encountered while at the U.
View photos and video from the 2023 Commencement Ceremonies
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“Lavender Celebration and pre-graduation celebrations are a close-knit setting for students to acknowledge each other’s achievements. When on the big stage during graduation, thousands of students pass by and there are no pauses for individual or small group accomplishments. Lavender Celebration reaches and acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community and allies on campus,” said Dija Thomas, graduating senior and this year’s undergraduate student speaker.
During the celebration many awards were presented, including the Graduate Student Award, Golden Center Pins, Outstanding Research Award, Community Partner Award, and the Danny Gomez Legacy Award. Students also were given Rainbow Cords that signal academic achievement and leadership to wear as part of their regalia during their commencement ceremonies.
The new student organization BLQ, Black Leaders in the Queer Community, was recognized. Created by Dahlia Mason, the recipient of the Danny Gomez Legacy Award, and a friend, they realized that the campus community did not have any spaces for students who identified as Black and LGBTQ+. They started the small affinity group almost two years ago, gathering those students who did not feel supported into regular meetings. Mason and her friend worked to turn their small affinity group into a student organization that now has more than 100 members.
“In my time at UM, I have learned valuable skills like how to listen, speak up, collaborate, and teach others about fundraisers, protests, discussions, and legislation. I learned about different identities, and how to be confident in how I define and present myself,’’ said Thomas. “I am grateful for being selected as the undergraduate student speaker as it allows me to give back by sharing some of what I learned through my years.”
The celebration also included performances from Diana Chica, Dan Wheeler, and Ella Wright, all students in the Frost School of Music.
