Sorry for the delay on responding to this thread....

Rashid-- I am sorry your brothers are not supportive of you and your lifestyle choice. The manner in which you present yourself on GC exemplifies the characteristics that set Alpha men apart from the rest. I think any organizations should be thrilled to have you as a member.

Good luck-- and continue being you!

-wendi

Rashid,

I am so sorry that you are going through all of this grief from other members of your fraternity. I want to say that you are a gracious individual who is above the crap that people are saying about you. You are funny, a talented writer, and a wonderful person.


This is a little late to the thread, but I wanted to share this with you.
When I taught at an HBCU, I became very close to several faculty members who were Alphas, but more importantly, several students. Many of the young men that I mentored always had the goal of becoming an Alpha, and the ones that crossed were always so happy to come show me their line jackets. When word got out that I am a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, many of these young men who were Alphas also told me that they were Masons as well. I can tell you that these gentlemen always had my back on campus, and it was truly a pleasure for these young outstanding men who represented Alpha. When I was serving as an advisor to a Christian sorority that was coming on the yard, the Alpha men were one of the first groups to step up and support the ladies in their endeavor. Some of the finest young men that I have met are fraternity brothers of yours. These men I know here would never act as hateful as those on this board have done to you. You, my friend, show a lot of these same qualities that I personally associate with the Alphas I know.

Please know that I am thinking of you; if you are ever in Birmingham, I would be delighted and honored to introduce you to some of the brothers I know here.

Lots of hugs,

Cheryl

Oh wow, I only just now saw this thread.

Rashid, you and I are not "GC buddies" or anything, but I have to say this. I for one don't understand how anyone can talk to you for any length of time and then somehow arrive at the conclusion that you are unworthy to be an Alpha. That concept just does not compute with me. I have always regarded you as one of the more consistant and classy posters here at GC. You represent both Alpha and APO in a manner worthy of both fine organizations. Yeah, I knew you were gay....and that never factored into my opinion of you. I'm just really sorry that some of your brothers can't see past a label and see you for who you *are*. Obviously, you have more supporters here than detractors - that should speak volumes as to your true character.

.....Kelly

Rashid, like everyone else who has posted here, I'm sorry you're going through this. You're one of the few people on GC about whom I could never possibly say a bad word. You're classy, smart, fun, cool and I SO admire what you're doing with your writing.

I hope those of us who have read about this can take it as a learning opportunity -- a chance to realize that it's our differences that make our organizations interesting and strong and worthwhile. I'd hate to go to alumnae events and sit around with a bunch of women who are exactly like me, you know? I'm happy to have sisters who are straight, gay, who have kids, who don't, who are atheists or Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist or who are (oh teh horror!) republicans or whatever. I just wish everyone would realize that.

Rashid - when I refered to 'trash' on the Alpha Phi Alpha forum - I hoped it was undersood it was about the filth that judges a person on what they are and not who they are...

I would never lower myself to level that considers that the Alpha's I know or helped refound the chapter here at UofT are like the "brothers" here on GC... to me the vast majority of Alphas uphold the ideals and teachings that convinced me to support them here in Toronto...

The trah here on GC are to me the sad and pathetic fringe of a great Fraternity - misrepresented by the ravings and rantings of a minority of assholes (sorry can't think of a kinder term).

Keep being true to yourself and true to the teachings of Alpha Phi Alpha - not to the harassment of bigots.

From an Alpha to an Alpha
 

Brother Senusret I,

I write you on this particular forum and not on the Alpha Phi Alpha forum for two reasons: first to dispel any publicly-held notions that may suggest that the Brotherhood en masse has chosen not to acknowledge, accept, or otherwise associate with you; and second, on a more fraternal note, to welcome you in a space where I hope you are open to receiving it.

I wish that you had received a more fraternal reception on our forum, but for reasons I am not fully aware of, nor wish presently to explore further, you did not. Be that as it may, as an Alpha, I hope by this post to ameliorate the situation without creating a situation of my own.

Welcome to the Frat, Senusret I! Alpha, like life, is always developing; constantly presenting us with new challenges and hurdles while yielding benefits and rewards. Both fortunately and unfortunately, brothers are uncomfortable with who you are. By no means should they, or anyone else, presume themselves empowered to judge you; if for no other reason than there is nothing for which you should be judged. Unfortunately for all of us, this may not presently be the majority opinion. However, by your presence and perserverance, brothers (and others) will learn not only tolerance and acceptance, but also humility and a stronger sense of brotherhood. This makes the present situation quite fortunate and important to not only your personal development, but the developments of Alpha and of our greater society.

Therefore, I wish to thank you for remaining true to yourself and for being courageous enough not only to become an Alpha, but also to speak your mind. Don't let other people encourage you to compromise your dignity; for in the end, no one can take from you what you didn't offer to be taken. Remember, you are Alpha Phi Alpha.

Take care of yourself, Brother.


Most Fraternally,
The Interpreter

dear rashid, i am so sorry that you have felt unwelcome in your own forum. i think that sometimes it is easier to say things in writing that are hurtful and judgemental to an unknown person .
i was heartened to read that your chapter brothers have your back and like and respect you for who you are. when you are feeling down,maybe this will help you feel better. the people who know you like you,and hopefully someday those closeminded few who don't see what a super person you are will change their opinion. you are valued and well respected on greekchat, and have a wonderful kind manner about you. please know that we like you. lisa

and thank you to the interpreter for your wise counsel to rashid.

Impressive post by your Brother, Rashid. Take it to heart. You know it's true.

What she said!
Rashid, I was saddened when I saw all the stuff that went down. You are a good Alpha Man, you are a good APO man, hell you just rock all over (not to mention you are hella foine!)

(And I can't wait till payday to get your book)

You got a lot of folx that love you here and have your back (me included). The folx that got issues? the hell with them...that is THEIR problem.

Hang in there bro!

Interpreter -

Best. first. GC post. EVER.

:)

I don't care about your preference in colors, your preference in schools, or your preference in the gender of your lovers.

It's never made a difference to me.

I've always got your back.

Anytime.

Anywhere.

Indeed.

Brotherhood at its best.

Re: From an Alpha to an Alpha
 

What more can be said?

Thank you, dear Brother. THANK YOU.

Re: It's a damn shame....
 

Why don't you go inactive and start a gay fraternity for black males? Or better yet, just could always just join one of those "gay" clubs on campus. It may not be all black people, but they'd all be gay.


-I'm being serious.

Re: Re: It's a damn shame....
 

He is out of school.