University of Iowa graduating gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer (GLBTQ) students and their allies are invited to the UI Rainbow Graduation 2012, an annual celebration at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, in the Senate Chamber of Old Capitol.

Though free and open to all graduating GLBTQ students and allies, registration is requested by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 1. To register, visit imu.uiowa.edu/rainbowgrad.

The evening will include a 45-minute program with speeches from UI President Sally Mason, UI staff members Diane Finnerty and Paula Keaton, and UI graduate student stef shuster. Each graduating student will be individually recognized and receive a gift. The Quire, Eastern Iowa's non-profit chorus for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons promoting a positive image of these communities through music, will also perform at the celebration. A reception will follow.

The UI Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the UI Chief Diversity Office, and the UI LGBT Staff and Faculty Association are sponsoring this celebration.

"We'd love to have as many of our graduating GLBTQ students and their families, friends, colleagues, and other allies attend as possible since these students have all made substantial contributions to our campus and community," says UI Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President Georgina Dodge.

Organizer Roy Salcedo says this year they are trying to make the event even more special, even though the celebration has been an annual tradition for almost a decade on the UI campus.

For more information or special accommodations to attend, call the UI Center for Student Involvement and Leadership in advance at 319-335-3059.