The University of Miami LGBTQ Student Center is a safe space on campus for all students to feel comfortable with who they are. Whether you identify as LGBTQ, or an ally, the center fosters a community for students who are looking for safety and inclusion. Every year, the center presents a number of events ranging from networking and support groups to hangouts with friends. One event that the center prides themselves on is the annual Lavender Celebration, which is one of their final events of the season. Graduating students recognized at the celebration received rainbow cords to wear with their regalia. This year, 68 students received their cords, the largest group of students to attend Lavender Celebration. This year is the 10th anniversary of the celebration testifying the strength and love within this community. “The Lavender Celebration affirms the work our students have done through their academic career. It's a testament to these leader's commitment to making change,” said Gisela Vega, Director of the LGBTQ Student Center.
The Lavender celebration is a nationally recognized collegiate event that has been celebrated for decades. The use for the color Lavender comes from the LGBTQ+ community reclaiming negative symbols from the past and turning them into something that celebrates the community. Every year, the Lavender Celebration at the University of Miami presents five awards to leaders and partners in the local queer community. This year a new award, titled the Outstanding LGBTQ student organization award, has been awarded to a LGBTQ student organization for their accomplishments during the academic year. There are 12 LGBTQ affiliated student led organizations on campus, ranging from professional to social, which are trailblazing for the next generation of LGBTQ+ students.
Student recieves their rainbow cord from Provost Prado during the ceremony. Photo: Catherine Mairena/University of Miami
This year, the planning committee faced some astounding nominees for all the awards, ultimately picking six winners. Michael Robinson, a graduating senior, was awarded the Danny Gomez Legacy award, for his astounding advocacy of the LGBTQ community through his undergraduate career at UM. Two graduate students, Daniela Ferra and Dalton Scott, were recognized for their impact on the community through the professional lens. Ferrera, a law student, earned the outstanding graduate student award. She earned this award for her ability to foster civil dialogue between allies of the LGBTQ community and people who were not, exemplifying her skills as public servant and leader. Scott, the winner for of the outstanding research award, is a PhD student at the school of nursing and health studies. He is involved in several research projects that involve the LGBTQ population including one that earned a grant, titled “Intergenerational and Cultural Drivers of Depressive Symptoms in Hispanic Sexual Minority Youth.” Scott's drive to pursue research in LGBTQ studies show his unwavering support for the community. Along with these astounding students, two community partners were recognized. First, Tifany T. Fantasia, a local drag artist who has been performing in the Miami community for over 20 years. Fantasia has been hosting DragOUT at the University for the past 11 years and is a super supportive partner to the university’s queer community. The Greater Miami LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce was also awarded for their partnership with the LGBTQ Center through events for students, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorships of on campus LGBTQ+ events.
The outstanding students are the reason this year's Lavender celebration was such a success. They continue to impress the university community and beyond with their initiatives and critical thinking that break barriers across topics. If you want to learn more about the recipients and awards given at the celebration, head to the LGBTQ center website here.
