Soror AKAtude, I agree with you on "when did this turn into a sexual orientation" discussion". However, it came about
because Delta Phi Upsilon is an African American gay men's fraternity and the close similarities between our organizations' symbols.
Unfortunately, we still live in a Judeo-Christian, and even very Islamic, who have very strict morals, society. A problem develops when another incorporated organization uses symbols similar to that of a highly visible, traditional and historical sorority such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, people who are unfamiliar with my Sorority, will be confused as to what both of our organizations promote.
My Sorority already has issues with outsiders confusing the purposes of the other 3 fellow sororities. Is Delta Phi Upsilon asking my Sorority to simply accept your decision to be obstenate toward us simply because African Americans need to embrace our gays and lesbians fight for African American's civil rights? Is Delta Phi Upsilon believe that my general membership sorors and my International officers will not
fight, yes fight to maintain the perpetuity and continuity of our highly blessed Sorority? Not to scare Delta Phi Upsilon from meeting the needs of their members, the fact is that my Sorority hold our symbols sacred. And no one can simply ask my Sorors, some who are Diamond sorors not to be angered and won't take the DPU to task. It is just a fact. It is unfortunate, but it is still just a fact.
I understand that everybody gotta do they own thang. Whateva's cleva. In fact my cousin is a lesbian and was out when people in her small southern Black community thought we don't have those "caucasian" sexual orientation issues. I mean no offense, but in the Black community, some people do think that sexual orientation is not OUR issue.
I know what my sexual orientation is and am proud of it. I enjoy being with men, making love to a man and eventually develop a maritial relationship with a man. And heterosexuals should not be condemned for their choices either! I understand that the Black gay and lesbian community needs outreach in such a way my Sorority cannot provide nor accept. But, the Black gay and lesbian community needs to understand that in its entirety, Afrikans in amerikkklan have too many problems already and this infighting about symbol usage is bullshit given the current status of our plights.
Moreover, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has trademarked two items. The term, "Fashionetta" and our sacred pin. Delta Phi Upsilon can be taken to court for trademark enfringement. So basically, the organization would want to be
justifying, yes, I said it, justifying its use of its symbols because you SKATING on very thin ice.
Yes, I said it, you all are a bunch of skaters bitchin' and moaning about how upset my Sorors are!!! Because when my Sorors have pledged their hearts and minds to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. it's too hard to ice SKATE, like Brian Boitano (sp)...
It doesn't matter what I think, many people on this board are stating your symbols are too similar to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc's symbols. You have to think of why GC members would say that. No, we do not have juristidiction over symbols or colors, but it is out of mutual respect for each other that NPHC BGLO's are angry. It is not because your gay, but because DPU has earmarked their organization's symbols that define what they are all about without orginality, much less considering what your community would think is symbolic... Because my Sorority, over 90 years ago, chose our symbols based on what we thought reflected the Black community at that time. And I can tell you that all the other NPHC BGLO's did the same.
How is an ivy symbolic with the Black gay/lesbian community?
How is an sheild with a dove, globe, clasped hands, book, torch symbolic of the Black gay/lesbian community?
How is a motto, "Service to OUR Kind", reflective about your community?
I really want to know... It is because you do not respect our heritage that you are angry--not the fact that you think you are meeting the needs of the gay and lesbian community... Because if you were meeting the needs of the gay and lesbian community, you would not be here posting messages about how no one has complete juristidiction over all the symbols of the world. Moreover, you skaters are really not helping so what if Alpha Phi Sorority, Inc. has a similar magazine name as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. There is a reason for that you know. But you will never be privy to that information because you do not respect our hard work and dedication to Service, without bias, To ALL Mankind...
[This message has been edited by AKA_Monet (edited March 30, 2001).]