Ronni Sanlo is an American educator, author, university professor and speaker. She instated the first Lavender Graduation Commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan in 1979[verification needed] - a ceremony that is now held annually at many U.S. universities.[1] Ronni's work focuses on LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning) history, learning outcomes, strategic planning, and on creating campus cultures where LGBTQ identities are celebrated. Ronni lectures and writes from her perspective as both a professor of higher education and her personal life. She struggled to keep a job after graduating in 1969 from the University of Florida and, because she was an openly gay mother, she lost her children in a legal battle with the state of Florida in 1978, as documented in the film about her life, "Letter To Anita."
Ronni is currently Director Emeritus of the UCLA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center.[2]
Early life
editRonni Sanlo knew she was a lesbian by the age of 11. However, after graduating from University of Florida in 1969 she married two years later. Ronni gave birth to two children. When she finally came out, her children were 3 and 6. At that time, Anita Bryant led the repeal of Miami's Gay Rights ordinance in 1977. (Save Our Children) which caused her to lose custody of her children.
Ronni Sanlo was not able to visit her children very often.
Letter to Anita: The Ronni Sanlo Story
editCreation of "Lavender Graduation"
editReferences
edit- ^ Human Rights Campaign. http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/lavender-graduation. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ http://www.ciis.edu/Public_Programs/Expanding_the_Circle_2015/Ronni_Sanlo_SU14.html