2023 Rainbow Graduation Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Communities on Campus

Yesterday, Westfield State in collaboration with the Campus Pride Committee, Queer Straight Alliance (SGA), and the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Office, hosted the annual Rainbow Graduation, which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ communities in both achievements and spirit. Senior-level students were awarded a rainbow cord for their cap and gown ensemble which will be displayed at commencement.

Vice President of JEDI, Dr. LaRue Pierce, opened with an address emphasizing the importance of gathering publicly for the purpose of celebration. He praised the efforts of all participants, stating their actions help to forge “a better and more welcoming space for students of all background and identities.”

Levi Ekstrom, a senior as well as president of the Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), discussed his vision for inclusivity for all students on campus in addition to the QSA. “The original goal was to gather people together and to enjoy the company of other queer individuals,” he noted in his opening remarks. “[We wanted] to prioritize this work to ensure students feel welcome... that Westfield State is diverse and queer-inclusive.”

Hillary Sackett-Taylor, Chair of the Economic Department and Co-Chair of the Campus Pride Committee, as well as Charlotte Amias-Capogna, Senior Program Coordinator and Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services, echoed those statements.

“Visibility matters,” Sackett-Taylor said. “The more visible we are on campus, the more weight our voices will carry. Student voices are very, very powerful, so it’s important for us to be visible and to be proud of who we are as a community.”

During the event, seniors belonging to the LGBTQIA+ communities were awarded a rainbow cord. They also were given the option to pose for a photo alongside a large, pride flag before returning to the festivities. Music played while people socialized and commemorated the graduating of Westfield State seniors.

Addressing the crowd, Sackett-Taylor said: “Take moments like today to celebrate moments of queer joy. And let’s celebrate our graduating seniors!”