LGBTQ+ Center
At the LGBTQ+ Center, we are committed to advancing knowledge about genders and sexuality through education, engagement, and advocacy.
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Lavender Graduation 2026
April 19th
3:00-5:00
The LGBTQ+ Center is hosting the 13th Annual Lavender Graduation at West Virginia University! Adding to a rich and meaningful tradition celebrated on campuses nationwide, including several of our peer AAU Universities, we’re providing a complement to your academic success and celebrating with the community you’ve built. No matter what you’ve studied, how long you’ve been here, or where you’re going next, you have earned your degree; you deserve a moment to have everyone recognize and appreciate that you have achieved your goals. After years of passion, self-discovery, and tireless purpose-driven work, you’ve done it! You’re here; and we’re here for you.
All WVU students graduating in December 2025 and May 2026 are invited to bring their loved ones to this unforgettable ceremony on Sunday, April 19th in the Mountainlair ballrooms. Graduating students should arrive between 2:15-2:30 to rehearse for the recognition ceremony. All additional guests should arrive at 3:00, when they will be welcomed to enjoy time mingling, playing games with new and old friends, passing along wisdom from their journey to future cohorts, and taking some fantastic photos (backgrounds and props available). We will begin the ceremony with a group photo before guests are seated. Then, we will begin with an opening song and remarks from our keynote speaker. Graduates will be called by name to walk across the stage and receive a certificate of appreciation, a rainbow graduation cord, and a lavender rose. They will then have an opportunity for a professional photograph before returning to sit with the audience. After the ceremony, stick around for the LGBTQ+ Club’s Annual Gayla!
Graduates must register by 4/13 to be honored by name. Lavender graduation is offered in addition to, not as a replacement for, WVU’s Commencement. This event is made possible by collaborating with the LGBTQ+ Commission, the LGBTQ+ Club, WVU’s oSTEM, True Colors, Triota, the WVU Horticulture Club, Student Life, the Office of Graduate Life, and more.
4th Annual Prevention Summit
January 30th
9:00-3:00 for the summit
(11:00-11:50 for our session)
The LGBTQ+ Center is excited to lead a break-out session at the Fourth Annual Prevention Summit, hosted by WELLWVU and the Office of Compliance and Prevention Education. We’re working with them to provide mental health services at WVU by joining in the collaboration driven by an amazing collection of people from across the University to tackle tough problems, here and afar. This Summit provides students with opportunities to think critically about how Mountaineers can proactively work to prevent negative outcomes, act with integrity and accountability to yourself and your community, and voluntarily participate in further education to support your career.
Our interactive SOGIE 101 Training, scheduled from 11:00-11:50, is designed to give you new tools to help you broaden your mind. We know that Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) {soh-jee} are key elements of one’s identity that impact their experience in higher education, and that a lack of information and support relating to these characteristics can make it exceptionally difficult to nurture a sense of belonging. With this program, we can foster participants’ personal growth by producing creative, critical, and analytical thinkers ready to address these complex challenges. This training gives approachable, entry-level information about SOGIE and how it relates to the experiences of today’s students, and incorporates activities designed to help our students tackle the real-world problems that they face; from preventing sexual harassment to overcoming personal and institutional barriers. Don’t forget to register for the summit (lunch cards will be provided for all-day attendees). We can't wait to see you there!
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