MyGradStoles recently launched their pride graduation stoles for LGBTQIA+ students to support their education and rights. The empowering step was taken after the CEO learned about the story of Dr. Sanlo. The author, educator, and consultant was denied entry to her kids’ graduation ceremony due to her sexual orientation. She is considered to be a pioneer in starting the lavender graduation ceremony. It was held for the first time in 1995 at the University of Michigan which recognized the achievements of LGBTQIA+ students. She is also the former Director Emeritus of the UCLA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center.
What Inspired the Design of the Pride Stoles?
The limited edition stoles possess a minimal and chic look says the Director of design from MyGradStoles. We have incorporated a rainbow as a tribute to ‘Gilbert Baker’ a gay artist. He had chosen the rainbow as a symbol of pride as rainbows are a natural phenomenon. He believed that the rainbow’s colors show diversity while instilling hope in the community. You always feel positive after rain, says the CEO. Back in 1978, the artist, a vexillologist, designed the flag for San Francisco Pride. We use premium-quality material that passes through multiple quality checks so that the students can proudly shine on their big day, he added.
Lavender Graduation Ceremony
As mentioned before, LGBTQ students were not able to celebrate their graduation with their loved ones so lavender graduations came into existence. In the ceremony, the students can freely celebrate their achievements with their fellow members of the community and their family members without being an outcast and feeling left out. My team had spoken to a few students and asked them about their struggles, says the CEO, of MyGradStoles. They did not want us to reveal their names but they mentioned getting bullied, and discriminated against, which led them to depression and loss of interest in daily life activities.
Another student said she was worried about coming out to her family and friends. But, speaking to the college’s counselor and meeting her senior lavender graduates helped her come out. She said she is very excited to attend her lavender graduation with her family, and can’t wait to wear her pride stole. My heart goes out to the people who have endured in life and we are proud of them for not giving up completing their education, they deserve a token of appreciation. The stoles will significantly help shine and add a layer of confidence.
The Evolution of the Flag and Meaning
The flags represent and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ and are significant in their movements. The head designer from MyGradStoles speaks about the different colors and their meanings. According to their research, earlier the flag had more colors like pink which denoted sexuality, and turquoise and indigo which represented art and harmony respectively. Now they removed from the flag making a total of six colors. These colors are red which shows healing, yellow, which indicates the Sun, and green color is synonymous with nature. Royal blue replaced both turquoise and indigo, while the violet hue shows the lively spirit.
MyGradStoles’ Vision & Values
We plan to introduce more designs for trans, bisexual, lesbian, and other categories to cater specifically to them so keep an eye out on our product launches, said the head designer – MyGradStoles. By using high-quality sustainable fabric and eco-friendly methods they ensure that they take care of the environment. They have provided jobs to local artisans while practicing fair labor and ethical behavior, focussing on reasonable working hours. Fostering a safe and respectable healthy working culture. You can visit their website www.mygradstoles.com and order your pride stoles for a great price.
