The Californer - VCCCD Honors LGBTQIA+ Graduates as Lavender Graduation Returns to Its Roots

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Returning to Oxnard College, where the tradition began, the districtwide celebration honors identity, resilience, and belonging

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- Three years ago, Oxnard College hosted the first Lavender Graduation in the history of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. On May 1, 2026, the celebration returned to the Performing Arts Building with its corridor of employee allies and a giant inflatable rainbow that welcomed attendees home.

Lavender Graduation rotates annually among Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges since its creation in the 2022-23 academic year. Designed to celebrate the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students, this year's return to Oxnard College marked a full-circle moment for a program that has grown every year since its founding.

For the first time, this year's ceremony was led by three Lavender Graduation alumni as masters of ceremony: Lux Orozco, Nathan Cerritos and Cris Perez. Orozco had attended the very first Lavender Graduation at Oxnard College in 2023 as a student, and returned this year as a Cal State Northridge transfer and emcee.

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"To me, Lavender Graduation is a wonderful celebration where we get to be ourselves with the friends we made while in community college, and the faculty and staff who showed us support along the way," said Orozco. "To incoming students like me, I would tell them to find their community, because the community I found at Oxnard College is still part of my life today and that is something beautiful that I hope other students can also find."

"To our LGBTQIA+ graduates from all three of our colleges, you have made our district community richer through your presence, your perspectives, and your courage," said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. "Each of you has contributed uniquely to our colleges and strengthened our community in meaningful ways."

Graduates crossed the stage with their affirmed names and in the clothes that made them feel most fully themselves — for some, the only stage they will ever cross in complete affirmation of who they are.

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The evening was made possible by a districtwide committee chaired by Oxnard College's Gilbert Downs, supported by staff, faculty and volunteers across the district — including VCCCD Lt. Cesar Romero, who donated his DJ services for the after party.

"The Lavender Graduation was deeply meaningful because it honored LGBTQIA+ students under the rainbow umbrella and created a space for celebration, recognition, and community. It's essential that VCCCD continues showing up for LGBTQIA+ students to advance a vision of equity, inclusion, and belonging." — Diego Ibarra, Oxnard College student and committee member

For more information, visit vcccd.edu/students/lgbtq.