Lavender Graduation
Celebrating the LGBT+ Class of 2025
June 6 - 6:00PM PST
La Sierra University Church - Sierra Vista Chapel
4920 Sierra Vista Ave. Riverside, CA 92505
Celebrating Graduates
What is It?
Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University. It was created by Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian keynote speaker in LGBT communities.
Why We Celebrate
For decades students at colleges and universities around the world have been celebrating both their academic achievements and their cultural heritages at specialized commencement events. Many of these events are student-initiated and usually occur during the university-wide commencement weekend. These events provide a sense of community for minority students who often experience tremendous culture shock at their impersonalized institutions.
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBTQ students of all races, ethnicities, faiths and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to high schools and universities as students who survived the high school and college experience.
Friends & Family
Come and celebrate your graduate as we acknowledge their accomplishments. Graduations are major milestones not just for those who are graduating but for family and friends who walked alongside their graduate through their journey.
Keynote Speaker
Khloe Rios-Wyatt (she) CEO Alianza Translatinx
Khloe Rios-Wyatt is an immigrant Transgender woman, activist, and community leader dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of Transgender, Gender Non- Conforming, and Intersex (TGI) people. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish from California State University, Fullerton. As the Founder and CEO of Alianza Translatinx, Orange County’s first and only Transgender-led organization, she works to ensure TGI individuals have access to essential resources, advocacy, and support. Under her leadership, Alianza Translatinx has become a vital hub for healthcare access, housing navigation, legal support, and leadership development, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future. Khloe is a Fellow at the Dr. Beatriz María Solís Policy Institute (SPI), a statewide policy advocacy program advancing racial, economic, and gender justice. Through this and similar initiatives, she actively shapes transformative legislation that uplifts marginalized communities across California. Committed to public service and policy change, she serves on the Orange County HIV Planning Council and the OC Integrated Plan Committee, contributing her expertise to improving health outcomes for underserved populations. A recognized voice in both Spanish- and English- language media, she has used radio, television, and print to elevate awareness of Trans rights and social justice. Her work has been featured in major publications and news outlets, amplifying the lived experiences of TGI individuals and the systemic barriers they face. Beyond advocacy, Khloe was honored as 2nd Runner-Up at the Miss International Queen USA pageant, a platform celebrating the beauty, resilience, and talent of Transgender women. Her work is recognized at local, state, and national levels, yet she remains deeply connected to her community. With a passion for intersectional advocacy, cultural competency, and movement- building, she continues to champion policies and programs that create lasting change.