Lavender Ceremony

The ceremony is an annual celebration conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the college.

May 23, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. | Buchner Hall, Alumnae/i House
*Private event for participating graduating seniors and their guests

The Lavender Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, in 1995 who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her children because of her sexual orientation. Originally called the "Rainbow Reception", it has been a Goucher tradition since 2008, started by Goucher faculty after experiencing the Kente Ceremony.   

The Lavender Ceremony recognizes LGBTQ+  students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to Goucher as students who survived the college experience. During the ceremony students share their hopes and dreams with one another and are recognized for their leadership, successes, and achievements. Those who participate in the Lavender Ceremony will receive the lavender cord, which serves as a recognition of their achievements and symbol of their overall journey at Goucher.

 

More Information

  • The Lavender Ceremony is an intimate gathering with a welcome remark, alum keynote address, and a reception.
  • All participants will receive a lavender cord and a tassel of choosing.
  • In respect for those who have not disclosed their sexual and gender identity, this ceremony will be by invitation only. 

 

Register

Registration is now closed.

 

Photos from the Lavender Ceremony 2023

Lavender Reception May 2023