Happy LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual/Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, plus) Pride Month from JMU ‘23 graduate, Ken Kensky, who is featured in these photos!🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧ “23 years ago, June was federally declared LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States, in commemoration of the Stonewall riots of 1969. 8 years ago, gay marriage was legalized nationwide with the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. 4 years ago, I stepped onto JMU’s campus as a first-year, LGBTQ+ student. I was eager, but nervous. Would I be able to find my people? After I joined Madison Equality, I knew I had. Madison Equality (@mejmu) is JMU’s oldest student-run LGBTQ+ group on campus. Founded in 1983, the organization makes it their mission to create an affirming community for LGBTQ+ students and allies at JMU. As a 4-year member of Madison Equality, I'm so proud to have played a part in facilitating a space where students can simply exist in community with one another. LGBTQ+ people, and our friends, allies, and chosen families have worked hard to build these spaces. Being LGBTQ+ is not always easy. There are people out there who would rather have me hide my true identity and live in the closet. But I believe that in the face of discrimination, love will always win. This is why I'm proud to be LGBTQ+. We are a beautiful, diverse community built on the love and joy that follows when you embrace who you truly are. Happy Pride Month JMU! Keep being you.”

And with the turn of a tassel and the toss of a cap, you did it #JMU23! Remember this moment and know you'll always be welcome home! 📸 Photos from last night's College of Arts and Letters ceremony. Stay tuned for more photos from this weekend's ceremonies! 💜🎓 #JMUGrad

Graduates, YOU DID IT! Throwing endless purple and gold streamers to celebrate. 💜🎓 #JMUGrad #JMU23 Comment 3 words to describe YOUR JMU experience! ⬇️

This Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Every day we reflect upon their sacrifice and think of their loved ones.

Looking for students on campus like 👀.

If your camera roll looks like this, you might wanna check the link in our bio...

A quick reCAP album from the weekend. 🎓#JMUGrad

Going through our camera roll, thinking about how proud we are of our #JMUGrads. 🥹

It's been amazing seeing all of the love and support for our grads this weekend. We're grateful for everyone who has stepped into the role of "mom" for our Dukes through the years! 💐 Happy Mother's Day!

#JMU23, we'll be right where you left us. Come home anytime. 💜🎓 #JMUGrad 📸 @jmucsm and @jmuson cermonies!

Long live the moments you made at JMU. Congrats, grads! 💜🎓 #JMU #GoDukes

Congratulations to all of our Graduate School and doctoral #JMUGrads! We are so grateful to have been part of your journey towards lifelong learning. 🎓