Commencement speeches by queer celebrities

Classes have ended for the majority of Canadian university and college students, but high school pupils will have to sweat it out for a few more weeks.

If you’re a queer try-hard who will be delivering your graduating class’s commencement speech, you can find inspiration from one of the many gay and lesbian celebrities who have talked up tomorrow’s movers and shakers.

From Jane Lynch’s humble and hilarious 2012 Smith College speech to Anderson Cooper’s 2010 Tulane delivery, personal stories usually play best with no-longer-undergrad audiences.

Rachel Maddow, Smith College, 2010

Jane Lynch, Smith College, 2012

Anderson Cooper, Tulane, 2010

Ellen DeGeneres, Tulane, 2009

Algonquin College journalism grad. Podcaster @qqcpod.

Keep Reading

Two Black men are shown in the image; one has his head on the other's shoulder; the other appears to gently cusp the other's head in his hand

I’m still basking in the “Moonlight” 10 years later

As a remastered version of the Oscar winner returns to theatres this month, it remains a reminder of what a bold, uncompromising vision can make possible
Guitar with flying notes on scene in empty vintage room with black background

Taylor Swift is beyond cooked

With “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,” the most popular artist of our generation has officially sold out. Her biggest fans are paying the price
Tinashe in front of a large crowd

On ‘Popstar,’ Tinashe proves just how singular she is

For much of her career, Tinashe has been dogged by comparisons to other artists. She’s fighting back the best way she can: by making great music

‘Monster’ butchers queer history to tell a tale of lesbian revenge

In rewriting Lizzie Borden’s story, Ryan Murphy’s show sensationalizes women’s violence
Advertisement