Community steps up to celebrate Lavender Graduation amid new Utah law
For the first time in more than two decades, the University of Utah will not be holding its beloved Lavender Graduation ceremony — a tradition that has honored LGBTQ+ graduates since 2004. Other such ceremonies at colleges across the state also did not happen. The change comes as a direct result of HB 261, a newly enacted Utah law that restricts colleges and universities from hosting identity-based graduation celebrations on campus. Additionally, an official letter from the United States Department of Education prohibited separate ceremonies, although the letter specifically referred only to racial segregation.
But in true community spirit, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and allies refused to let this milestone moment go unrecognized. Project Rainbow, Dr. Kim Hackford-Peer, and the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City hosted an alternative Lavender Graduation ceremony to honor LGBTQ+ students from across the state.
The community-hosted Lavender Graduation took place Saturday in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church. The church, known for its inclusive and affirming mission, generously donated the space to ensure that this tradition continues. Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Price, pastor of First Baptist, emphasized the congregation’s commitment to filling the gaps created by HB 261, stating that their doors are open to events like Lavender Graduation and other LGBTQ+ affirming programs.
A similar event took place for Weber State University graduates on April 18. The event featured live music from Zaza Historia VanDyke, delicious food, lavender stoles provided by friends at the University of Utah, personalized garden flags for each graduate, and gift bags donated by Ogden Pride.
Lavender Graduation is a cherished event that celebrates the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, queer, asexual/aromantic students, and their allies. First created in 1995 by Dr. Ronni Sanlo at the University of Michigan — herself a Jewish lesbian who faced discrimination and exclusion from her own children’s graduations — Lavender Graduation has since spread to over 200 campuses nationwide.
The first Lavender Graduation at the University of Utah took place in 2004, under the guidance of Dr. Kim Hackford-Peer’s wife (and former QSaltLake Magazine columnist) Ruth Hackford-Peer, then coordinator of the LGBT Resource Center. The event hosted seven graduates and featured a keynote by Laura Milliken Gray.
“It was a divisive time in Utah generally, and that played out on campus,” Ruth Hackford-Peer said. “The primary reason I wanted Lavender Graduation in Utah was because I wanted being LGBT to be celebrated in the academic realm, in ways we see much more of now, but was less visible (and less celebrated) [21] years ago.”
“Graduating students deserve to be recognized for who they are and what they have accomplished,” said Kim Hackford-Peer. “HB 261 may have forced us off campus, but it can’t erase our pride, our achievements, or our community.”
This year’s celebration included graduating students from Salt Lake Community College, Westminster College, and the University of Utah. Forty-two graduates were gifted lavender cords and rainbow tassels to proudly wear at their official commencement ceremonies.
“This is a moment for our community to rally, to celebrate resilience, and to show that joy cannot be legislated away,” Kim Hackford-Peer said. “I’ll be wearing my rainbows [at the official University of Utah graduation ceremonies] — and I hope you will too.”
The event was carefully scheduled to avoid conflicts with final exams or official university commencements, allowing students to fully participate in both celebrations.
In a time when legislation aims to erase or silence LGBTQ+ voices, Utah’s Lavender Graduation serves as a powerful reminder: where there is community, there is celebration — and where there is pride, there is always a way forward.
