Albion College's Lavender Graduation Ceremony Showed Me Where I Belong
In celebrating others, I discovered a queer community that made me feel seen and hopeful for what lies ahead
When my friend asked me to attend his lavender graduation ceremony, I was confused having never heard of such an event before. I didn't question it, simply planning to support my friend. It wasn't until receiving a program with rainbows that I realized this was an LGBTQ+ event at Albion College.
I was surprised, noting that while the college flies a Pride flag daily, I had seen homophobic comments on apps like Yik Yak where Albion students post anonymously. Being at an event honoring LGBTQ+ graduates sparked hope in my heart, especially seeing the college president in attendance. It meant something significant that the institution's leader was there supporting a community that deserves recognition.
The presence of older queer people was another pleasant surprise. From what I typically see online, younger queer communities appear most prevalent, making it easy to forget that older LGBTQ+ individuals have been living through anti-LGBTQ+ legislature and hatred for much longer.
Seeing these people expanded my perspective of queerness, building confidence that I too could find my place as I grow older. I realized I could navigate through hatred and find pockets of safety and support anywhere in the world. The thought resonated: If these individuals made it this far, so could I.
As graduating students shared their stories, I wondered if one day I might stand in the same position, inspiring freshmen sitting in the back row as I once did. This possibility filled me with hope.
The keynote speaker, Albion alumnus Jordan Herron, vice president of the Alumni Board of Directors, spoke about his struggle accepting his identity. When he finally did, he found a supportive community that stood by him through everything.
This resonated with me as I had struggled to find my community during my first semester. I felt lost until discovering the school's theater company, where I was welcomed and connected with people who shared similar experiences, helping us bond and create memories together.
Hearing Herron discuss finding his community after college deeply moved me. Having a support system has been vital throughout my life, and knowing similar support exists for other queer people gave me hope that as I pursue my dreams, such communities await me too.
Herron's words struck such a chord that I had to hold back tears. His genuine voice reassured all of us that people want to see us succeed and will help us get there. I realized I had almost forgotten how much love and support surrounds me, having been stuck seeking love from someone who wasn't giving enough. Now free, I could see the love that had been there all along.
At the ceremony's conclusion, each student received a lavender cord for their graduation ensemble. I felt excited about eventually earning my own, wearing it proudly while receiving my diploma. I cheered loudly for my friend and all graduates, imagining the work required to reach that milestone. I resolved to follow these graduates' footsteps and become part of the next generation that would make them proud.
Throughout their journeys, these graduates had support systems and communities encouraging them at every step, preventing them from giving up. These graduates became supporters for others, continuing the cycle. I hope to provide that same support one day, giving back the love I've received.
Ceremonies like this reassure me that regardless of where I go or who I become, I will always have an important community supporting me.
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