Among Adventism’s underreported stories are the accounts of communities within the denomination that value and affirm queer people—places where “safe space,” “chosen family,” “preferred pronouns,” and “LGBTQ+ affirming” are not catchphrases but meaningful realities.
On Friday evening, June 5, La Sierra University Church’s (LSUC) Kinship Sabbath School transformed Sierra Vista Chapel in Riverside, California, into one of those places for its sixth annual Lavender Graduation. The event stood out not only for its rainbow decor, but also and more significantly for its poignant celebration of seven graduating LGBTQ+ students from La Sierra University (LSU) and other Southern California schools—one of whom received recognition in absentia.
Celebrants included members of the LSUC pastoral staff, LSU faculty and administration, family and friends of the graduates, and yes, chosen family there to provide support in place of family members who could not or would not attend.
Small rainbow pride flags outside Sierra Vista Chapel marked the entrance to the Lavender Graduation. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Lavender Graduations date back to 1995 at the University of Michigan (U-M), when Ronni Sanlo—a woman from Florida who in 1979 lost custody of her children after coming out as lesbian—decided to do something about traditional graduation ceremonies’ failure to provide “safe or affirming environments for LGBTQ+ graduates, leaving some students feeling alienated on a day meant to celebrate their hard work and success.” Sanlo wanted to give U-M’s LGBTQ+ students the support she never experienced, and created the first Lavender Graduation to show “LGBTQ+ students they were seen, valued and celebrated.”
The La Sierra community held its first Lavender Graduation virtually in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when LSUC’s Kinship Sabbath school class partnered with Kinship International to honor three LGBTQ+ graduates. After going dark in 2021, the event has honored a total of 35 graduates including this year’s cohort.
Nearly a decade ago, Gabriel Uribe, a healthcare professional and former Social Work instructor at La Sierra University, and his husband Chase Uribe, a licensed clinical social worker, launched the Kinship Sabbath School, a first of its kind weekly gathering with LGBTQ+ members and allies from multiple continents. The group meets regularly on Sabbaths to study and worship. The couple has coordinated the La Sierra community Lavender Graduations since their start in 2020. For the second year in a row, Gabriel’s absence due to a deployment with the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps saw Chase host the event solo.
Lavender Graduations date back to 1995 at the University of Michigan (U-M), when Ronni Sanlo—a woman from Florida who in 1979 lost custody of her children after coming out as lesbian—decided to do something about traditional graduation ceremonies’ failure to provide “safe or affirming environments for LGBTQ+ graduates, leaving some students feeling alienated on a day meant to celebrate their hard work and success.” Sanlo wanted to give U-M’s LGBTQ+ students the support she never experienced, and created the first Lavender Graduation to show “LGBTQ+ students they were seen, valued and celebrated.”
The La Sierra community held its first Lavender Graduation virtually in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when LSUC’s Kinship Sabbath school class partnered with Kinship International to honor three LGBTQ+ graduates. After going dark in 2021, the event has honored a total of 35 graduates including this year’s cohort.
Nearly a decade ago, Gabriel Uribe, a healthcare professional and former Social Work instructor at La Sierra University, and his husband Chase Uribe, a licensed clinical social worker, launched the Kinship Sabbath School, a first of its kind weekly gathering with LGBTQ+ members and allies from multiple continents. The group meets regularly on Sabbaths to study and worship. The couple has coordinated the La Sierra community Lavender Graduations since their start in 2020. For the second year in a row, Gabriel’s absence due to a deployment with the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps saw Chase host the event solo.
Chase Uribe, an LSU alum and Kinship Sabbath School cofounder, hosts Lavender Graduation on June 5, 2026. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
The Lavender Graduation’s welcome was given by Lamont Damon, a marriage and family therapist associate with a master’s in counseling from LSU, who has recently taken over leadership of Kinship Sabbath School.
Following Damon, LSUC Senior Pastor Iki Taimi offered prayer. He prayed that the graduates would know that their value does not lie in their output or in their earning potential, “but in the simple and profound truth that they are your beloved, created in your image.”
The Lavender Graduation’s welcome was given by Lamont Damon, a marriage and family therapist associate with a master’s in counseling from LSU, who has recently taken over leadership of Kinship Sabbath School.
Following Damon, LSUC Senior Pastor Iki Taimi offered prayer. He prayed that the graduates would know that their value does not lie in their output or in their earning potential, “but in the simple and profound truth that they are your beloved, created in your image.”
Iki Taimi offers a dedicatory prayer during Lavender Graduation. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Taimi continued,
Bless those who have known rejection with belonging; bless those who have carried burdens with rest; bless those who have questioned their place in this world with a deep sense of purpose; bless those who have felt unseen with the assurance that they are known and cherished … and move us into this celebration mindful that none of us walk alone.
LSU President Christon Arthur stood next to address the graduates. His participation, as noted later in the program, buoyed graduates and his university colleagues alike. And of the president’s participation in these Lavender Graduations, Gabriel Uribe later remarked in correspondence for this article, “President Arthur has been supportive since day one. We are blessed to have him along with Former President Wisbey, who was an early supporter of Kinship Sabbath School’s ministry.”
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Christon Arthur speaks to graduates during Lavender Graduation. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Arthur told the graduates, “Look within yourself and say, ‘I am La Sierra.’” The president affirmed the graduates’ personhood and humanity, and said “La Sierra doesn’t come in a particular shape or size or orientation; La Sierra is big enough for all.”
After Arthur’s remarks, Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht delivered the evening’s equivalent of a commencement speech. The vice president for Student Affairs at CalArts in Pasadena, California, Garrison-Engbrecht grew up in the rural town of Andover, Kansas about two and a half hours from Wichita. He recounted his struggles as a queer, biracial child of immigrants and a first generation college student, noting the difficulty he felt grappling with questions of identity and belonging. “I didn’t know many openly LGBTQ people when I came out,” he said. And because “the future wasn’t visible” at the time, he added, “it became easy to wonder if that future existed at all.” But from that place of pain and isolation, he learned the importance of communities where people feel seen, heard and valued.
Arthur told the graduates, “Look within yourself and say, ‘I am La Sierra.’” The president affirmed the graduates’ personhood and humanity, and said “La Sierra doesn’t come in a particular shape or size or orientation; La Sierra is big enough for all.”
After Arthur’s remarks, Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht delivered the evening’s equivalent of a commencement speech. The vice president for Student Affairs at CalArts in Pasadena, California, Garrison-Engbrecht grew up in the rural town of Andover, Kansas about two and a half hours from Wichita. He recounted his struggles as a queer, biracial child of immigrants and a first generation college student, noting the difficulty he felt grappling with questions of identity and belonging. “I didn’t know many openly LGBTQ people when I came out,” he said. And because “the future wasn’t visible” at the time, he added, “it became easy to wonder if that future existed at all.” But from that place of pain and isolation, he learned the importance of communities where people feel seen, heard and valued.
“The question before you now is not whether you have gifts but what you will do with them.” Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht speaks to graduates during Lavender Graduation. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
“Tonight’s celebration says who you are matters,” Garrison-Engbrecht declared. “Your stories matter, your experiences matter, and your future matters.” He drew on American poet Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day. “Tell me,” he said, quoting the poem’s closing lines, “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
When Garrison-Engbrecht concluded his remarks, Chase Uribe invited all of the graduates onto the platform to receive personalized certificates, commemorative enamel event pins, and affirmations from the audience. But first, Uribe invited La Sierra faculty members and administrators to stand on the stage—some of them in graduation regalia—after which he introduced each graduate. The graduates were then given a chance to share anecdotes about their childhood goals and school memories.
“Tonight’s celebration says who you are matters,” Garrison-Engbrecht declared. “Your stories matter, your experiences matter, and your future matters.” He drew on American poet Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day. “Tell me,” he said, quoting the poem’s closing lines, “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
When Garrison-Engbrecht concluded his remarks, Chase Uribe invited all of the graduates onto the platform to receive personalized certificates, commemorative enamel event pins, and affirmations from the audience. But first, Uribe invited La Sierra faculty members and administrators to stand on the stage—some of them in graduation regalia—after which he introduced each graduate. The graduates were then given a chance to share anecdotes about their childhood goals and school memories.
A graduate’s mortarboard graduation cap says, “Visible for those who can’t be.” Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Here are the graduates and their recollections:
Quinn McFarland graduates this coming Sunday with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and writing from LSU. Asked what gives him hope, he responded, “I spend my summers with queer youth, and they bring me hope knowing our future is in good hands.” McFarland plans to pursue a master’s degree in Art History from the University of York in England.
Here are the graduates and their recollections:
Quinn McFarland graduates this coming Sunday with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and writing from LSU. Asked what gives him hope, he responded, “I spend my summers with queer youth, and they bring me hope knowing our future is in good hands.” McFarland plans to pursue a master’s degree in Art History from the University of York in England.
Quinn McFarland receives a Lavender Graduation pin from Rick Menjivar. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Yvonne Wilson will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in social work from LSU. Speaking about her most positive experience at La Sierra, Wilson said that she began school in 2016, took a break, and then came back. She said the university community has been her most positive experience—”People being supportive, loving and caring.” Wilson said that as a combat veteran, she at one point wanted to fly jets. Now, she says that she would like to get a van to provide mobile services, particularly to Vietnam vets.
Yvonne Wilson will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in social work from LSU. Speaking about her most positive experience at La Sierra, Wilson said that she began school in 2016, took a break, and then came back. She said the university community has been her most positive experience—”People being supportive, loving and caring.” Wilson said that as a combat veteran, she at one point wanted to fly jets. Now, she says that she would like to get a van to provide mobile services, particularly to Vietnam vets.
Yvonne Wilson (left) with an “I Am Affirmed” Lavender Graduation certificate beside Christine Cales of LSU’s Philanthropy Office. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Mackenzie Cole is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in social work from LSU. Asked what she would say if able to speak to her younger self, she said, “I would tell my younger self that there’s no bad version of you.” That younger self wanted to be a NASA engineer, Cole said, but now she plans to pursue a master’s degree to be a therapist.
Mackenzie Cole is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in social work from LSU. Asked what she would say if able to speak to her younger self, she said, “I would tell my younger self that there’s no bad version of you.” That younger self wanted to be a NASA engineer, Cole said, but now she plans to pursue a master’s degree to be a therapist.
Desiree Menjivar places a Lavender Graduation pin onto Mackenzie Cole’s graduation gown as Michael Au looks on. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Michael Au is graduating with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from National University. He said, “I would tell my younger self to keep pushing through.” Au plans to become a licensed marriage and family therapist focusing LGBTQ+ teens and adults.
Michael Au is graduating with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from National University. He said, “I would tell my younger self to keep pushing through.” Au plans to become a licensed marriage and family therapist focusing LGBTQ+ teens and adults.
Michael Au (center) listens as audience members share memories and validation. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Carlyle Tagalog will graduate from California Baptist University with a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. When he was young, he wanted to be a mermaid and gameshow host. Now, he works for an aerospace manufacturing company and hopes to use his degree to serve people in that sector.
Carlyle Tagalog will graduate from California Baptist University with a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. When he was young, he wanted to be a mermaid and gameshow host. Now, he works for an aerospace manufacturing company and hopes to use his degree to serve people in that sector.
Carlyle Tagolog (front row, second from left) stands on stage with fellow Lavender Graduates as audience members share affirmations. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Bill Le will graduate with a masters degree in instructional design and technology from Cal State Fullerton. For Le, ballroom dancing is one of the many things that brings him joy. His nearly serious offer to demonstrate his voguing skills drew cheers and applause.
Bill Le will graduate with a masters degree in instructional design and technology from Cal State Fullerton. For Le, ballroom dancing is one of the many things that brings him joy. His nearly serious offer to demonstrate his voguing skills drew cheers and applause.
Rick Menjivar pins Bill Le, with LSUC Pastor Raewyn Orlich smiling, and Quinn McFarland holding his Lavender Graduation certificate. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
After the graduates shared, Desiree and Rick Menjivar provided them with Lavender Graduation pins and warm hugs. The couple are community members who often step in during milestone moments for LGBTQ+ individuals who may not have parents of origin with them due to familial rejection, often originating from denominational or cultural pressures. Gabriel noted, “they have been doing this for almost a decade and have walked folks down the aisle, stood in during graduations, and [participated in] many other special moments.”
After the graduates shared, Desiree and Rick Menjivar provided them with Lavender Graduation pins and warm hugs. The couple are community members who often step in during milestone moments for LGBTQ+ individuals who may not have parents of origin with them due to familial rejection, often originating from denominational or cultural pressures. Gabriel noted, “they have been doing this for almost a decade and have walked folks down the aisle, stood in during graduations, and [participated in] many other special moments.”
With immaculate refreshments and fabulous centerpieces, Lavender Graduation combined decor, words, and presence to celebrate the graduates. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Audience members were given the opportunity to share words of encouragement or personal remembrances of the graduates. “You are a mermaid,” an audience member told Tagalog, before offering an affectionate affirmation.
Audience members were given the opportunity to share words of encouragement or personal remembrances of the graduates. “You are a mermaid,” an audience member told Tagalog, before offering an affectionate affirmation.
Iki Taimi and Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht smile while being honored with mementos for participating in the event. Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
Wonil Kim, professor of Old Testament at LSU’s H.M.S. Richards Divinity School, joked that “this might sound like I’m kissing up,” but insisted that he was not because, “I have tenure,” he said to some laughter. And then turning serious, Kim noted the importance of seeing the university president and Interim Provost Leslie Martin participating in the event. Prior to Arthur and Martin, no senior university administrators had taken part in the event, Kim said. His acknowledgement garnered sustained applause for the university leaders.
Wonil Kim, professor of Old Testament at LSU’s H.M.S. Richards Divinity School, joked that “this might sound like I’m kissing up,” but insisted that he was not because, “I have tenure,” he said to some laughter. And then turning serious, Kim noted the importance of seeing the university president and Interim Provost Leslie Martin participating in the event. Prior to Arthur and Martin, no senior university administrators had taken part in the event, Kim said. His acknowledgement garnered sustained applause for the university leaders.
Wonil Kim (left) stands alongside LSUC and LSU leaders, waiting to congratulate Bill Le. Kim’s shirt says “The only minority destroying America is the rich.” Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM
After remarks from the audience and LSU faculty and administrators, LSUC associate pastor for Discipleship and Nurture, Raewyn Orlich, was invited to offer prayer. “God, in your love you made a beautiful rainbow,” she began. “Forgive us when we insist on living in black and white.”
All images: Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM. All rights reserved, and may not be duplicated or shared without express, written consent.
After remarks from the audience and LSU faculty and administrators, LSUC associate pastor for Discipleship and Nurture, Raewyn Orlich, was invited to offer prayer. “God, in your love you made a beautiful rainbow,” she began. “Forgive us when we insist on living in black and white.”
All images: Raquel Mentor/SPECTRUM. All rights reserved, and may not be duplicated or shared without express, written consent.
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