On May 20, 2025, the Peralta Community College District held its annual Lavender Graduation at the College of Alameda (COA). This commencement ceremony honors the accomplishments of our LGBTQIA+ students, recognizing their unique journeys and contributions to our campus community. The event, open to all, and filled with food, music, love, and a strong sense of community, recognized the perseverance and triumphs of the graduating class.

Natalie Rodriquez, Director of Student Activities and Campus Life at COA, served as the enthusiastic MC for the evening, with welcoming remarks from COA President Melanie Dixon, who expressed gratitude to the organizing committee (see below). The program featured inspiring speeches from Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, a keynote from graduating Laney College student Emiliano Villa, words and music from Whitney "WHIT the DJ" Harris, and energetic drag performances by Miss Monstrosity and Redd FaFilth. 

Chancellor Gilkerson emphasized the graduates' role as trailblazers in a challenging world. "You aren't just graduating; you're illuminating a path forward in a world that sometimes seems determined to turn back the clock," Dr. Gilkerson stated. She underscored the importance of authenticity and visibility, reminding graduates that "Your visibility becomes an act of courage that changes the world in ways both subtle and profound." Dr. Gilkerson concluded by emphasizing the power of joy in the face of adversity, stating unambiguously, "Joy is power, even more powerful in the face of adversity, resistance, and even oppression." 

Emiliano Villa, a graduating journalism major from Laney College, delivered a poignant keynote speech, sharing experiences from his six-year, stop and start again journey at the Peralta Colleges. Villa spoke candidly about overcoming personal struggles and finding his community. "It was through finding my community that I was able to overcome these struggles, and I found it in unlikely places," he shared, crediting the Bay Area drag scene for teaching him to "let my inner light shine through." Villa powerfully quoted civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, "None of us are free until all of us are free," and encouraged graduates to embrace their true selves: "Being yourself is the biggest act of resistance." 

Whitney Harris, known as WHIT the DJ, also shared impactful words, encouraging the graduates to embrace their unique identities. Harris's presence underscored the celebratory and communal atmosphere of the event, reinforcing the message of self-acceptance and joy. Plus, they played some awesome dance music all evening long! 

The music was infectious and included three fantastic drag performances, first by Miss Monstrosity, next by Redd FaFilth, and then featuring both of them together. Fun! 

Many thanks to the 2025 Lavender Graduation Planning Committee, which included: 

• Amy Stewart-Deaker (Merritt College) 

• Doris Hankins (Merritt College) 

• Malik Shabazz (College of Alameda) 

• Natalie Rodriguez (College of Alameda) 

• Yih Ren (Laney College) 

The Peralta Community College District's Lavender Graduation was a powerful affirmation of the queer community, highlighting the graduates' academic successes and their unwavering spirit in the face of societal challenges. The event served as a testament to the district's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all its students. Event photos are available on SmugMug here.