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First of all, I completely understand the views that "mutual selection" allows the GLO to cut who they want without really explaining why. That is their right. I am also extremely supportive of gay rights, and the desire that ALL people have to feel accepted and loved (which is why they would want to join a GLO in the first place). With that said, I think it's funny that this issue would come up during rush. I don't think you should hide who you are from people you care about. By all means, hold a forum to tell your sisters you're a lesbian, but I don't think it's something that should follow your name in an introduction at a rush party ("Hi, I'm Jane and I'm gay.") I've read that you all have rules about what you don't talk about during rush (religion, drinking, boys, etc) so why would bringing up your orientatin be acceptable. Yes, it's who you are, but so is your faith. I think the gay people that are going to rush any GLO will probably be the type that don't feel the need to preface everything they do with the announcement that they are gay. I don't introduce myself as straight. Sure, I figure that it's something people assume, but really it's because it shouldn't matter to someone who doesn't even know my last name, and is just trying to get to know me as a person. If that relationship becomes more involved (like the 3rd or 4th party when you're really cutting down who you are interested in) then the issue of sexuality might come up. Although if someone asks you if you have a girlfriend/boyfriend, don't lie, that's just dumb.
As far as ruining your rep, this is probably more of an issue at schools that are already a little wary of homosexuals. A school that makes their gay students feel welcome might have a greek system that feels the same way. And who knows, maybe having gay members could improve your rep with other under-represented groups ("Well, that group is cool with their gay sis/bro, they must be open-minded people. That's not what I thought of greek life before. Maybe I'll rush next year.") You never know, it could happen. I'm sure the first black person to get into a predominantly white GLO changed the minds of more than few GDI's.
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