果冻传煤

SAN JOSE, CA 鈥� In a powerful celebration of identity, achievement, and community, students from across 果冻传煤 Clara County gathered for the county鈥檚 first Lavender Graduation. This event honored LGBTQ+ graduates and their journeys that brought them to this milestone. 

Lavender Graduation was part of the 10th anniversary of the County of 果冻传煤 Clara鈥檚 Office of LGBTQ Affairs, bringing together students, loved ones, educators, and community partners to create space rooted in affirmation and belonging. To mark this milestone celebration, graduates received certificates from community partners and graduation regalia - a lavender and rainbow stole and cord. The 果冻传煤 Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) joined the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and San Jose State University (SJSU)鈥檚 Queer Hope Institute鈥檚 planning committee for the graduation. All three share a commitment to ensuring all young people feel seen, supported, and valued.  

For the graduates, Lavender Graduation offered a space to celebrate both who they are and what they have accomplished, alongside peers, educators, loved ones, and a community that fully supports them. 

鈥淭his is a special one because I have never heard of anything like this,鈥� said Rigoberto, a graduate from KIPP San Jose Collegiate. 鈥淭his is the first here, and it feels so good to be part of history.鈥�

Lavender Graduation ceremonies have been held in higher education spaces. Bringing this celebration to high school graduates across 果冻传煤 Clara County represents a meaningful step in recognizing and uplifting students as they navigate identity, belonging, and entering their next chapter. 

鈥淲hile [the next chapter of our lives] may feel scary and new, we have faced uncertainty before, even more than most. There鈥檚 little in our lives that we have not questioned and little that we have taken just at face value. With that, we have gained wisdom others do not have. A sense of security in ourselves that others do not feel and that is beautiful,鈥� said Gabrielle, the student speaker and a graduate from the San Jose Unified School District. 鈥淪o when you come across difficult times, remember this: you are important, you are loved, you are valid, you matter.鈥�

Lavender Graduation was made possible through strong collaboration among community organizations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Director of SJSU鈥檚 Queer Hope Institution, Robert Marx, said the collaboration with the SCCOE and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs created 鈥渢his energy of an overwhelming embrace of support鈥� for graduates.    

Supporting events such as Lavender Graduation reflects a broader commitment to create learning environments where students can thrive not only academically but socially and emotionally. 

鈥淎s a Board, we talk about making sure every student is seen, supported, and inspired,鈥� said 果冻传煤 Clara County Board President Victoria Chon. 鈥淎nd tonight we see what this looks like in action.鈥�