#USA – Several prominent Catholic colleges and universities across the United States held separate homosexual-affirming “Lavender Graduation” ceremonies this spring, drawing sharp criticism from Catholic advocacy groups for what they described as defiance of traditional Church doctrine on human sexuality.
At least 20 institutions affiliated with the Catholic Church organized the events, which took place apart from main commencement ceremonies. Organizers designed the ceremonies to celebrate the achievements and identities of students identifying as homosexual or gender dysphoric.
The Cardinal Newman Society, an organization dedicated to promoting authentic Catholic education, highlighted the trend in a report released earlier this month. The group noted that such ceremonies had become annual traditions at many Catholic campuses, raising serious concerns about alignment with Church teachings.
Prominent schools that hosted or planned the events included Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington; the University of San Francisco; Boston College; Fordham University; the College of the Holy Cross; Fairfield University; Marquette University; Xavier University; Seattle University; Saint Louis University; Loyola Marymount University; Santa Clara University; St. John’s University; Albertus Magnus College; St. Mary’s College of California; Regis University; Siena Heights University; St. Thomas University; and Our Lady of the Lake University.
Seattle University’s “Lavender Celebration” stood out for its inclusion of a performance by Sativa a “drag queen,” who later headlined another gay event. Other ceremonies featured preferred names, non-traditional pronouns, rainbow-themed regalia, and speeches affirming homosexual and gender dysphoric identities.
Lavender graduations originated in 1995 as a way to recognize gay students. They expanded to numerous Catholic institutions in subsequent years, often linked to broader discussions about university autonomy following statements like the 1967 Land O’Lakes Declaration.
Critics, including users on social media and Catholic commentators, argued that the events promoted lifestyles contrary to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which teaches that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered and that sexual relations belong within marriage between a man and a woman. Some called for the removal of the “Catholic” designation from participating schools.
Supporters, including participating students, praised the ceremonies for fostering inclusion and community. One Georgetown keynote speaker described the event as meaningful for celebrating queer identities alongside academic accomplishments.
he developments sparked renewed debate over the identity of Catholic higher education, with conservative voices questioning whether these institutions remained faithful to their religious mission. As graduation season concluded, the events underscored ongoing tensions between contemporary campus culture and longstanding Church teachings.
Image: A speaker at the “Lavender” Graduation held at St. Thomas University in Florida this year.
