‘If you are here, it means that McGill has created a safe space for you to be out’ keynote speaker tells 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the Class of 2025.
Perfectly timed on June 2 to coincide with McGill’s spring convocation ceremonies and the beginning of pride season in Canada, the 2025 Lavender Grad Celebration honoured 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the Class of 2025.
“Lavender Grad is a powerful moment of recognition, not just of academic achievement, but of self-actualization,” said Tynan Jarrett of Director of the Equity Team in the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic).
“This evening is a tribute to everything you’ve overcome, and everything you’ve made possible for those who follow. It is a celebration of your tenacity, your brilliance, and your right to be exactly who you are.”
‘A beautiful place for queer people’
The event celebrated approximately 25 graduates, as well as their friends and family.
Among them was Annette Hong Kim, who recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with minors in behavioural science and gender, sexuality, feminist and social justice studies.
“I really like Montreal,” said Hong Kim. “Its diversity, multilingualism and multiculturalism make me feel safer.”
“Montreal is a beautiful place for queer people,” confirmed fellow graduate Patrick Poulin. The Montreal native just completed a Bachelor of Arts in English literature with minors in world cinemas and gender, sexuality, feminist and social justice studies.
One of Poulin’s highlights at McGill was interning with Exposures, Montreal’s first trans festival, which was founded by McGill PhD candidate Iris Pintiuta.
“This is a really important time in my life,” reflected Poulin, who attended Lavender Grad surrounded by his family. “I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Fostering a more equitable future
The event’s keynote speaker was McGill alumnus Nicolas Blach. Now an associate at Stikeman Elliott, Blach co-founded Stikeman Elliott’s pride alliance and serves on the firm’s national diversity, equity and inclusion committee.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone in your lives: the graduation of the 2SLGBTQIA + 2025 class from one of the best universities in the world,” said Blach.
“I wasn’t out when I graduated in 2011,” he said. “If you are here, it means that McGill has created a safe space for you to be out. It means you’ve been able to bring your best self to university, and graduate as a complete whole person. That in and of itself is a wonderful achievement, and something we shouldn’t take for granted.”
Blach acknowledged the efforts of those who paved the way for the queer community and urged members to remain vigilant going forward.
“While we celebrate your accomplishments tonight, we must remain steadfast in our dedication to fostering a more equitable future for everybody,” said Blach. “It is our responsibility to continue the work of those that came before us to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes and create safe space so that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can reach their full potential.”