Lavender Graduates Spring 2022

Metropolitan State University gave me the acceptance to breath and discover myself. Having queer and trans representation in faculty, staff, and students transformed me into the proud trans non-binary person that I am today. Graduating as a queer trans person is a goal I thought I’d never experience. I’m excited to feel comfortable in my own body during ceremony!

Graduating as a queer woman is kind of a bittersweet moment for me. It’s a really sweet feeling that I am finally able to be myself and be surrounded by people who love and support me. Since I am also a first-generation student it feels like I can accomplish anything and I can be the person my family has always encouraged me to be. The more bitter moment is wishing my whole family could see the person I have become. It’s okay that they aren’t here though, I know I’m surrounded by people who have known I can do great things no matter what my sexuality is ((:

I identify as lesbian asexual and I am the only queer person in my household. Graduating as a queer person means a lot to me. When I came out as a lesbian, I felt as though people began to look at me differently. My partner and I fell victim to a verbal hate crime on campus, and we felt as though we had to keep our relationship a secret because we also happened to be coworkers. I had always dreamed of graduating college, it’s been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. But I never anticipated graduating with such an amazing support system by my side, a support system that loves me regardless of who I love. That is truly the best gift I could’ve ever received.

My name is Thorne and I am proud to be graduating with a degree in Art and Nourishing Cognitive healing (IDP degree)! I am genderfluid and queer (in both the gay and being strange sense). I hope to use my degrees to help other queer individuals and/or those with eating disorders. I currently have 4 lovely dogs and way too many art supplies!

I started my college career in denial. I was scared to come out as queer, but the college environment helped alleviate some of that fear. I have realized I am genderfluid and queer. Sometimes just queer. Being an art major has given me the chance to explore my queer identity and confront internalized ideas. I still struggle with the concept of gender and sexuality especially when it comes to labeling it. While our campus tries to be supportive, exploring my gender identity the past couple of years has felt isolating. It felt awkward trying to connect with the resource centers. There seemed to already be established groups and I was an outsider looking in. Gender related events were also hard to come by, or not actively advertised. I put in a lot of time researching off campus resources to help feel less isolated. It was exhausting. I hope in the future the Auraria campus can better support their gender queer students.

I am a queer individual who is graduating with a BFA in Art, and I’m so damn proud of myself. Graduating as a queer person means that I’ve been able to accomplish a great achievement as my true and authentic self. I’ve had many doubts about my sexuality and gender identity in the past, but being an art student has allowed me to express who I am through my passion. Being able to graduate as myself is an honor in itself.

I am a 31 year old transgender woman, a veteran of the US Coast Guard, and an aerialist acrobat majoring in biochemistry with the hopes to go to medical school to have a positive impact on other men/women/people like me!

Being out in the science community as a transwoman is a statement of power. I have risen above everything I held myself back from being, and I hope to pave the way for future queer people in science and medicine. Our diversity is our strength, and I am bringing it all to the table!

My name is Blake and I’m a yogi, cyclist, nature hugger, and health-conscious queer – with a good balance of class and sass. I’m known for my kindness, eccentricity, and adventurous spirit. I am a first-generation Spring 2022 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

To me, graduating as a queer person means showing up each day with authentic expression, perseverance, and embodied resiliency; it’s about doing your best and becoming attuned to what’s present, even when faced with moments of adversity.

Graduating as a first generation, Latinx, bisexual student is tremendously empowering. MSU Denver provided me with the room to embrace all of these identities that I can now carry with me to the finish line. I am proud to carry all of these identities with me to show those around me that success can be defined in a variety of terms.

I am so PROUD to be a gay man graduating at 57 years young after 6 and a half long, arduous, tough, stressful and wonderful years. I have learned so much by being a student at MSU of Denver and have loved my college journey. I also LOVE MSU of Denver and the amazing and profound diversity on the campus. There is every shape, size, ethnicity, culture, religion, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, tattooing, piercing and colors on the Auraria campus. I have loved every minute of my college experience. Thank you MSU of Denver for giving me a beautiful life, great knowledge, learning my passions of working with youth, mental health and addictions. Thanks for the MEMORIES!!!!!! Gavonta “Kenny” Giovanni. Best to ALL OF YOU.

I’m honored and proud of myself to be graduating, when for the longest time I did not think it would be possible. I honestly have to thank my queer and trans peers, friends, and faculty for making me feel safe and inspired to continue with my education.