![]() |
prejudice in fraternities and sororities
Just wanted some different opinions on this topic...I have a friend (guy) in a fraternity (chapter and univ. will remain nameless) and he is gay. He is afraid to tell his brothers because he says that they will force him out of his chapter..I was just wondering how guys felt about this and if there are any openly gay brothers in your chapter? same goes for sororities, I don't think it would be a big deal in my chapter but i'm a pretty open person...has anyone had to deal with this in their chapter and if so how did you handle it?
|
I would think how people react would have to deal with the ideals of the fraternity/sorority as well as personal beliefs. This situation would be a true test of brother/sisterhood.
|
Here at Eastern Mich, I have heard really god things about greeks comming out in their org and really bad things too. We had one sister (my roomate) come out and even brought her g/f to formal. Some people were uncomfortable about it, but they wouldn't show it for the most part. Our Delt chapter also had a gay brother and he came out at a meeting and everyone was very accepting and understanding about it. One of the most popular greek girls on campus was a Phi Sigma Sigma and an out lesbian who actually was very active in our LGBT officeon campus. But DZ was a different story. A sister came out and while some sisters were very nice, others (who she lived in the house with) threw things at her, called her a dike, one even put a sign on her door that said "no dykes allowed". I would have to say tho, that it is very common to have a gay member in a chapter, closeted or not. When my roomate came out she and I were talking and she said she knew for a fact there was a lesbian or bisexual girl in every sorority on campus. 1 in 10 people are gay so look at the chances you have for that to be the case. I think it is really sad that they will kick him out. He is the same person they initiated, he just likes guys instead of girls, that's the only difference. If he wants, he can prolly stil be a member of his fraternity and join Delta Lambda Phi as well. It might help him out and give him the brotherhood he wants w/ppl who understand. I think he could be in both and DLPhi is an awesome org. I have many friends in it
------------------ Katey, ZA chapter of AGD "Could I have been anyone other than me?"-Dave Matthews |
That is great that at Eastern the fraternities have dealt so well with their gay brother. I'm sure there is at least one gay/lesbian greek in each org, but the machoness of the brothers might scare them into thinking that they could never come out. I know guys that will say they hate gays, but they love their brothers so I think they actually might deal with it in a good way. As for the sororities at my school, I haven't heard of any lesbians who have come out, but I know in my organization we would have no problem with it. My sisters are my sisters, no matter what. We'll always share that bond.
------------------ It's not who always wins, it's who always gets respect...Phi Mu Rocks!!! Phildo PM'00 |
That's a tough one to ask, as for my chapter, there are no out gay members in mine, though I've heard from some of our alumni that there was one once upon a time. I think it would depend on the general mood of the chapter, the university and surrounding area.
The National Office of his fraternity will of course be opposed to any kind of descrimination like that, so they physically COULDNT kick him out, however the sad fact is that they could make him so miserable he would debadge just to escape it all. Personally, I'm all for having a gay member in our chapter. I mean, the ladies love them and it's one less guy competing for girls at parties :-) |
I know of a chapter of AGD in Alabama that had a gay sister that ended up being president. I don't think it matters, personally, but I have a lot of gay friends and don't really care about their dating, just so long as their Significant other treats them well.
------------------ "...and love her for her womanhood." |
XOZAOSU,
A great resource/information on this topic is: www.lambda10.org ------------------ Faced with the Divine, I was asked; "What one gift do you seek?" I answered ever so meekly; "I seek Honor, Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom, yet those are four. How am I to choose?" The answer came as a pounding whisper; "The four you seek are but one. I grant thee Compassion; for without it the four make none." Author - me |
There was an article in the Daily Pennsylvanian (University of Pennsylvania paper) about this very subject. And apparently, the guys are ok with it. Guys in the fraternities know that there are guys that are gay, and it's just not a problem for them. I don't think it should make a shit bit of difference, because if someone embodies the ideals your sorority/fraternity was founded on, who cares if they're gay or straight!
|
Our Greek advisor is gay. The story goes, he was an active member of a fraternity down south, and once he openly admitted that he is gay, his brothers hazed him so bad. Until a point that he sued his national, and he was deactivated because of that.
He came to our university and was given an honorary member of another fraternity, and then he knows both fraternity rituals. Hopefully this will help. |
Our chapter excepts people of every race, and background except for Gay/lesbian. I dont think some people would have a problem with it but the majority including myself would definately not except it or anyone who was openly gay in our Fraternity.....You can tell us we are wrong or what have you but The majority of us where raised Catholic and we find it to conflict with our values. Also no matter how much you disagree with our viewpoints it is our Fraternity not yours........Blaise
|
TKEmz894, (and everyone else)
First off, its accepts, not excepts. I don't want to speak my opinion on this issue, but let me state a fact. If your chapter does not accept gay or lesbian people BACAUSE of that sexual prefrence, they can, and will be, sued. If someone gets enough courage to do it, they will... and chances are, they will win. True, the Boy Scouts of America can no longer have gay people in leadership positions in their organization (if they choose not to), but I assume that most judges would make a decision in favor of homsexual people. Even if they lose the case, if a lawsuit is brought against you (thus messing with your insurance), youre HQ will probably take your charter if it looks to be giving them a bad reputation. Should gay people be allowed? I dont know... Will they face far more challenges? yes... words of advice, if you drop someone from your organization, make sure it is for something that will guard you from lawsuits that will have a negative effect on your chapter. |
Quote:
Also, have you given a thought on how homosexuals are BORN that way - they really do not have a choice whether they are homosexual or not. It's too bad that you're trying to control a facet of their lives which they didn't (and COULDN'T) determine. [This message has been edited by newbie (edited July 03, 2001).] |
Quote:
I agree. I'm not really religious, but for a class last summer I had to read Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount in the Bible (it was a World Religions class). The way I interpreted just that one part of the Bible is that all people are to be accepted and loved. Furthermore, I just can't believe that people choose to be homosexual... I really don't think they can help it. So then who are we to judge? It's almost like being racist-- it's stupid to hate someone due to something they have no control over. |
There is a guy who pledged last semester for my business fraternity that was gay. It wasn't an issue, although when the actives talked about the pledges there were some side comments about it and at first we were TRYING to figure out if he really was or not. One day though, during a meeting he just came out and said that he knew there's an issue about gay brothers/sisters who want to come out to their chapter and he said before he could go on any longer and be initiated we must know that he was one of them. I actually applaud him for doing so and our chapter was really accepting about it. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I guess i agree w/ other people, it depends on the general mood of the chapter and the university. i think it owuld be a shame to kick out a sister/brother based on their sexual preference though, because these peeps are more than just friends, you consider them your brother/sister, and you should accept them for what they are as they accept you. |
Quote:
[This message has been edited by newbie (edited July 03, 2001).] |
Well as some of my dailey patrons say in my store I am not Prejadice, I hate everybody!
Beleive it or not, that is a in the cheel copliment, uphs being an ex COP! Last time I saw anyone one Bleed guess what it was not Black, Red, Tan or anyother color but RED! It ain't NO fun! We all may have all of our upbringing, but all I know is I will have 2 new Brothers soon, One Black and one White! They will be my Brothers! ------------------ Tom Earp LX Z#1 Pittsburg State U. (Kansas) |
First off Mafia who cares if I cant spell I get my point accross. You sound like my mother correcting me everytime I post. I really dont feel like going through spell check. If you want to criticize me do it for my views, NOT MINOR DETAILS LIKE SPELLING....Secondly I live in Louisiana, Its the sticks, we are not on a national stage like California. Gay people would not bother suing here for stupid things like getting into a Fraternity chapter that they are not welcome in. Once again my view on this topic is We dont want gay people in our fraternity....and I am sure on the left coast that kind of view is "bad", but I dont care, I live in Louisiana. You should be supriesd that we accept people of all races, because the majority of cahpters of fraternities in the south dont accept anyone that isnt white......So go argue with them, and quit correcting my spelling.........PS what the hell was all that Earp?????
|
We do not currently have any active brothers who are gay, but we have had alumni come out to us after they graduated. It was not that he was uncomfortable with the brothers of the chapter but rather he was not at the point in his life where he wanted to let everyone know. He is a very active alumni member, and honestly, no one ever really remembers that he is gay, and no one really even cared when he told us. He is just a great all-around guy, so the brothers never even thought twice about treating him different.
|
*shakes head*
*apologizes on behalf of all Southerners* Being from Louisiana does not excuse your attitude. I'm (proudly) from Louisiana. I'm Catholic. I don't agree with the homosexual lifestyle, but I wouldn't discriminate against a person or keep them out of my org because of that one part of their life. For all we know, in all the founders of all the GLOs, there may have been one or two homosexuals. Not openly homosexual, mind you. But its really naieve to think that out of all of them, they were all straight. Don't assume that because we're in the South that people wouldn't sue because of discrimination. Wherever it happens, its illegal. And if a guy was kept out of a fraternity, a job, etc because of his sexual orientation, it would be grounds for a lawsuit. |
By the way XOZ, I highly recommend that you and your friend go to your blockbuster and rent the movie Defying Gravity. It deals with the same situation as he does. I dunno, but it might help.
|
OK Junior girl,What part do you live in New Orleans or Baton Rouge? I live in Thibodaux its the sticks, but either way the majority of our members are from N.O. and they still would never even consider it. I am sure you will not say yall wouldnt take someone because they are gay on this public forum....Because that would go against what people think, but when it came down to it you would probably go the way of your sisters and not allow an openly gay person in your sorority....So dont start condeming me....Also it takes three people to keep someone from not getting a bid....Homosexuality is wrong in the eyes of me and the other members of my chapter, so there would be enough people saying no to keep that person out...Now why would someone want to sue to be in something they are not wanted in? We dont have the other people we reject whining and starting law suits because we dont allow dorks or rapists into our fraternity. Thats stupid, all gay people are trying to do by that is prove a point that they think they should be allowed in anything they want, dont you think there are better ways to go about doing that.....You said so yourself that you are catholic and dont agree with homosexuality, but you would allow them in your sorority, so where do you draw the line do you let them in your house, but they cant go to church with you?.....Honestly whats the point you are trying to make? We have differing views, I dont care what you do in your chapter....Eat all the fish you want, Its just Mu Zeta(my chapter) wont have any homos in it, end of discusion.....Oh and people do sue in Louisiana, over offshore accidents, not homos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
Quote:
Not to start a religious conflict here, but from what I learned in 11 years of Catholic School, EVERYONE is welcome at mass, regardless of sexual orientation, race, even religion. The only restriction is that non-catholics and catholics not in a "state of grace", i.e. have comitted a mortal sin, which sex outside of marriage is (homo or heterosexual sex) cannot recieve communion. By very definition, the word "Catholic" means universal. In other words, everyone is welcome. Even "homos" as you so eloquently put it http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif My point is, don't think that just because you're in the south that the same laws regarding discrimination don't apply to you. And don't think that someone wouldn't sue over it. Being so open about how you'd absolutely discriminate against homosexuals (especially on a public forum like this) is a good way to get your charter yanked. As has been proven MANY times, these boards have eyes and ears of some pretty high up officials of GLOs. |
TKEmz894,
Whether or not I agree with you is not important. But, like I was saying, many fraternities get sued. Discrimination doesn't only mean not allowing someone in because of their sexual orientation, race, disability, etc. It could be not allowing someone in because you personally don't like them. Why do you think schools do not like to directly speak about us? Or give us good press? Because they are holding THEMSELVES liable. For example, if a fraternity gets sued at UCLA, chances are, the school will be named in the lawsuit. A lot of GLO's are moving away from membership votes. The reason is, that if a person meets your requirements (such as grade policies) you MUST let them in, by law. Instead, we choose to vote on members, thus, in the long run we put ourselves at risk for being sued. So if you did not let John Doe in because you didnt like the way he combed his hair, technically he could sue you (and might even have a valid case if that was the ONLY reason you didn't allow him into the fraternity). He would have to miss out on one of your requirements (such as grades) in order to be denied membership. This is kind of different, but technically, anyone can go to ANY school they fit the requirements for. Women can go to West Point (traditionally an all guys school) and men can go to womens schools. But for the most part, men are not admitted to womens schools. And if they are, they will not go there because they dont have the balls. So if found that a man was not admittef to a womens school because he was male, he could sue... just like women sue when theyre not admitted to guys schools based on their gender. Same crap applies for GLOs. A lot of them will not allow people they just "dont like", and onetime, someone is bound to bring a lawsuit. So becareful on why you don't admit someone. |
I just felt I had to put my .02 cents in. At present, under federal employment discrimination laws, the only classes that are protected are race, sex, religion, creed and national origin. Sexual orientation is not a protected class. Only 8 states have passed sexual orientation discrimination laws. Just like the Boy Scouts can restrict their membership, so too can a private organization like a fraternity or sorority if the class is 'not protected.' I don't think that any national fraternity or sorority would be so stupid and close-minded as to openly restrict their membership to heterosexual people, but until the laws are changed, chapters like the one mentioned above can--in effect--prevent homosexuals from joining the chapter. While I personally think this is abhorrent, it would be awfully difficult to litigate a case like this, and it would be even more difficult to win it. It is a very sad state of affairs.
That being said, I think that the vast majority of the Greek community is tolerant and accepting of differences. That is something to be proud of. I don't think anyone here is saying that you must actively approve of homosexuality if that is against your own personal beliefs. However, ALL Americans are entitled to equal access and due process under the Constitution, whether you agree with them or not. That is what this issue is really about--and as for me at least --I'll do whatever I can to make sure everyone has access to the same opportunities I've been blessed with. **Stepping off my soapbox now** http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif ------------------ "To hold truth inviolable, sincerity essential, kindness invaluable." |
My point is its not happening at my school!!!! My chapter has had acouple of black, hispanic and oriental fraters come through our ranks.....Which is unheard of at most southern schools....And dont try to say otherwise Tiger/juniorgirl, cause my brother goes to LSU, and that is unheard of there to weather you want to admit it or not......Its very racist every where, but our chapter doesnt believe in judging someone on that....But Homos(So elequent dont you think)
are not excepted in my group of friends, whether yall like it or not.....I dont care what anyone in the nation thinks about that, its my opinion....So f*cking sue me and the individual members....all anyone would get was no money(we go to Nicholls), and a kick in the teeth for starting the sh^t in the first place..........You know this really pisses me off, cause I state my opinion and all the sudden people are writing telling me I could be sued, that I am disgracing the state, and that I am some kind of jerk who is stuck in the olden days.....Well I am sorry, I dont like the Medias portrayal of gay people being right I hate MTV, and I hated Pedro from the real world San Francisco...I liked Puck cause he said what he wanted and told everyone to F*ck off....Which is what I am telling Junior girl to do right now! Didnt I already talk to you about who shoved the golden egg up your ass and asked you to represnt our state? OHHH cause your from LSU you are all the sudden the voice of the greeks for the state? I mean if it was about representing the state, then say your thing about yall leting in Homos(So elequent) and go on about your way...But when you say you are representing our state and condemming me, for not liking homos, thats stupid, I mean say your peace and go, cause I really dont care. But as far as the catholic thing go ask your priest about Homosexuality in the church.....You know, I wasnt even representing the greeks for our state, I wasnt even representing My fraternities views, I was representing me and my friends (the majority in my chapters views... We have certain criteria we look for, Homosexuality is not thought highly upon, whether you like it or not.....If that is discrimination where do we draw the lines about discrimination and being selective? But honestly who really cares if you would let them in your sorority? Thats one in fifty, plus if you where so proud of that wouldnt you post what sorority you are in? Wont that hurt your rush? I think so even at the bastion of sanity and free thinking that LSU is.......I mean yall have to be the CU Berkley of the south............... |
Quote:
oh yeah - it's UC-Berkeley (Univ. of Cali at Berkeley), not CU- CU is Colorado U. Get it right. Quote:
Quote:
[This message has been edited by newbie (edited July 05, 2001).] |
I normally don't engage in conversations like this; they eventually lead to pettiness and empty conversation.
I do, however, feel compelled to add my thoughts regarding this: TKEmz894 and I obviously have different views/opinions on this topic; me being homosexual and him being very set against homosexuality. I admire TKEmz894 for stating what he believes, be his beliefs correct/incorrect/bigotted/christ centered... whatever. I would only say that its sad that his chapter may turn down a fantastic potential brother due to his sexual orientation. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif Perhaps there will come a time when negative views of the homosexual community don't exist... until then, I think that those of us who are understanding of the changing times should just step around those who are not. Arguing against someone's beliefs and morals is futile... Thanks for listening. ------------------ Faced with the Divine, I was asked; "What one gift do you seek?" I answered ever so meekly; "I seek Honor, Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom, yet those are four. How am I to choose?" The answer came as a pounding whisper; "The four you seek are but one. I grant thee Compassion; for without it the four make none." Author - me |
Quote:
Secondly, GLOs are NOT private organizations in most cases. If the are registered by the school AND recognized on campus of a public school (or a school that recieves substantial federal aid) they become a PUBLIC organization. Just because our national headquarters is private, doesnt make the local chapters private... just means we are chartered by a private organization. |
Hi mafia,
Its always good to see another law wonk on the boards http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif. The federal law I was referring to is Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It was amended in 1991 to include the ADA, but I'm pretty sure sexual orientation is still not there under Title VII. I believe what you are referring to is the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Under the EPC, sexual orientation only triggers a rational basis test (which you know is the most lenient), AND a court will only review on an EPC basis if it finds 'state action.' I don't believe that fraternity recruitment practices would satisfy 'state action' in this case. I'm hoping that Romer v. Evans and other cases like it will allow sexual orientation to become at least a quasi-suspect class, so it will trigger intermediate or strict scrutiny. I hope that is the direction the Supremes are going in permanently. Either way, I think that we both agree that, practically speaking, a suit like this would be tough on everyone. Fair-minded people like us still have a long fight ahead. (PS: If you ever need outlines, study guides, etc, please feel free to let me know. I still have all my class outlines, and my BarBri California Bar exam materials. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif ) |
Quote:
I also stated that being in the deep south does not leave people immune from having a discrimination lawsuit brought against them. I also never said that it wasn't an outrage that the GLOs at LSU remain practically all white. I do find it offensive that things are so incredibly segregated. It never came up, however, because that's not the topic. Is it really necessary to bring race into this and accuse me of being a racist simply because I kept my statements on topic? The fact is ALL discrimination is wrong, be it because of age, sex, race, or religion. But this discussion was on homosexuality, not race. Please read more carefully before making such serious accusations. |
LMAO . . . TKEmz894, tell us what you really think, don't hold back man http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif.
But seriously, the poor guy answered the question honestly, he is not answering for TKE or even his chapter per se, but for the people he knows that are currently in his chapter. And that is the issue, its the composition of your chapter that determines its point of view on any matter. I have seen some stupid reasons for casting blackballs before by people who's sanity I question. Some of them I want ask "Isn't that like calling the kettle black?" Which also shows that selection is a highly individual process and that people coming out should be warned before hand. Most of you know my personal point of view on stereotypes by now, if you have forgotten, see my posts on how negative stereotypes would take away from my self-centered-me-time. Just the thought of having to take my time and hate a whole percentage of the population based on a stereotype is enough to make me tired. And anyone that thinks they are going to get me to pause in my narcisistic contemplation of my own existence to hate people I don't even know, especially when so many people give myriads of reasons to despise them personally (they are usually interupting my self-contemplation for something stupid, like hating gays), they have another thing coming! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif However, we might not have set the problem up correctly. First when does a chapter find out the person is Gay? If its after long exposure and a positive relationship . . . people are going to be more accepting. Although some people may blush about thinking about those communal showers. IF you found at the person was gay BEFORE they got a bid .. . that might be very different. We also haven't portrayed behavioral sterotypes. Gay is just a word, but when we think of it we often think of certain stereotypes. In guys you have the lispy voice, and effeminate attitude and walk. That might turn more guys off than the sexual orientation . . . I am not sure that lesbians are protrayed all that differently in sterotyped behaviors. Well I am rambling because its late and I took some sleeping medicine 50mg valium and 7 Jack and Diets. Good night folks http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif Quote:
|
Greeklawgirl,
I see what you're saying and I agree completely. I'm not intending to disagree with you. Personally, I think a case such as this would have some merit, but I do not believe it would bring any financial loss to any fraternity/sorority. The main problem is reputation. If my local chapter was to get sued for discrimintation (merited or not) it would be terrible for the chapter. The media would be all over it. Since the media is so liberal these days in what they report, chances are they would side with the other side. Nationals would probably be discouraged and either close the chapter or have some kind of punishment... even if it is unmerited... so they can show they "took action". The only advice I can give to everyone is (and I am sure everyone knows this) is that people are waiting for us to screw up... so unfortunate people look that way. People not involved seem to only look at our social side... but not our philanthropic events or good deeds most GLO's perform. |
You're absolutely correct, mafia. Well said.
|
TKEmz894 - your statement about being sued on the basis of discrimination against a gay individual is misguided. IF (and that's a big if) the organization's rules/policy/constitution does not specifically indicate that the organization will NOT discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation - and IF (another bug if) the chapter/org follows their own rules in not admitting/kicking the gay person out - they're pretty much in the clear. Yes - they'll probably get sued, but they will also probably prevail - REGARDLESS of school rules, etc. Most states, and US statutory law recognize "private" orgs like GLO's rights to choose their membership as they please - right, wrong or indifferent.
Brad Quote:
|
Quote:
Yet you said nothing of it. I did not say that you were a racist. LSU operates a very racist social system, and I maintain that. If you don't like that statement, change it. Back to the topic: It's not right to be prejudiced against anyone. While I haven't dealt with homosexuality in my personal chapter, I have come across it in my organization. My sister is my sister, no matter who she loves, so it has never been a problem. Now, I know few gay Greeks who, either kept their orientation in the closet or kept their Greek affiliation in the closet, because most fraternities are not willing to openly accept or socialize with openly gay men. They think it makes them look less masculine and that their founders would not approve. [This message has been edited by TRSimon (edited July 07, 2001).] |
Out
I rushed openly bisexual, and my sisters accepted me. (I had no girlfriend at the time). Now that I do have a girlfriend, they aren't as supportive. They're still getting used to it, but they try because they're my sisters! I think the hardest things were: 2)peoples reactions to me holding hands with a girl while wearing my letters, and b) the reactions of the fraternity we associate ourselves with.
|
People need to be real...........
I don't care for anyone, I mean anyone, who can not tell the truth about themselves when rushing. If you can't come out, like my girl Melissa, f#$k of! If your homosexual, straight, Bi-whatever, and you can't say that when rushing, do not be upset when your brothers/sisters get mad at you. If you are real in the getgo, than your all good! Now, if you are homosexual and trying to date your brother/sister that is f#$ked up! People need to realize that if one day you expect to lay out your a homosexual and expect people in your frat or sor don't like it, well, oops on you. So, in short be real and your all good, stay up to all homosexuals putting it down for your frat or sor.
-Heath loves A-Phi FKT-EPSILON THETA CHAPTER SFSU |
People need to be real...........
I don't care for anyone, I mean anyone, who can not tell the truth about themselves when rushing. If you can't come out, like my girl Melissa, f#$k of! If your homosexual, straight, Bi-whatever, and you can't say that when rushing, do not be upset when your brothers/sisters get mad at you. If you are real in the getgo, than your all good! Now, if you are homosexual and trying to date your brother/sister that is f#$ked up! People need to realize that if one day you expect to lay out your a homosexual and expect people in your frat or sor don't like it, well, oops on you. So, in short be real and your all good, stay up to all homosexuals putting it down for your frat or sor.
-Heath loves A-Phi FKT-EPSILON THETA CHAPTER SFSU can someone tell me why it is in English FKT and not in Greek? |
Quote:
|
I have never had to deal with this issue in my chapter, but in a fraternity on campus they happen to have two gay brothers. Everyone knows and nobody cares. They bring their boyfriends to Greek functions and they aren't treated different because of their sexual preference.
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:50 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.