BYU student reveals Pride flag in gown while receiving diploma during graduation ceremony
A Brigham Young University (BYU) student opened her graduation gown and revealed a Pride flag during a commencement ceremony over the weekend.
"I wanted to do something that was, you know, protest in a civil manner that showed that we will be seen and we would be recognized," said Jillian Orr.
Orr earned her psychology degree in January. She had the chance to walk during graduation and used the opportunity to make a statement.
MORE: Parents of four children among those killed in Southern Utah plane crash
Orr is bisexual and said she and other LGBTQ students have struggled at BYU. She and her sisters settled on this idea together and decided it was a way to visibly protest and show support.
Orr says her display has garnered her a lot of praise and a little bit of criticism.
"It's been painful because most of the kickback has been from people who know me," Orr said. "I expected it from strangers but I didn't expect it from people I knew."
A Tiktok video, showing her and her sisters' getting ready, had received nearly 170,000 likes and thousands of comments.
ALSO: Utah Rep. Blake Moore among House Republicans at southern border Monday
Orr also said her decision had an immediate impact while at the graduation ceremony.
"One student stopped me and she was like, 'my girlfriend just saw you on live TV. She wanted me to thank you, meet you and say that she’s proud of you,'" Orr recounted.
She hasn't heard from the school and she is unsure if she will face any consequences for displaying the flag.
Orr said she doesn't regret showing the flag and is ready if any consequences come her way.
"I wasn’t there to disrespect," said Orr. "I was there to be seen and to honor those who are going through what I went through."
BYU officials declined to comment on the situation.
