SAN JOSE, CA – In a powerful celebration of identity, achievement, and community, students from across Santa Clara County gathered for the county’s 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 Santa Clara’s 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 Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) joined the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and San Jose State University (SJSU)’s Queer Hope Institute’s 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. 

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

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

“While [the next chapter of our lives] may feel scary and new, we have faced uncertainty before, even more than most. There’s 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,” said Gabrielle, the student speaker and a graduate from the San Jose Unified School District. “So when you come across difficult times, remember this: you are important, you are loved, you are valid, you matter.”

Lavender Graduation was made possible through strong collaboration among community organizations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Director of SJSU’s Queer Hope Institution, Robert Marx, said the collaboration with the SCCOE and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs created “this energy of an overwhelming embrace of support” 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. 

“As a Board, we talk about making sure every student is seen, supported, and inspired,” said Santa Clara County Board President Victoria Chon. “And tonight we see what this looks like in action.”