Has someone of the opposite sex ever tried to pledge to your chapter?

[akamie]

I'm wondering if any of you have ever encountered someone of the opposite sex trying to pledge to your sorority or fraternity. Why did they do it? What happened in the end?

We're doing some research at UAA about the role of alternative lifestyles in Greek Life regarding gender, but as far as we know we've never had a man try to join a sorority, or a woman try to join a fraternity. So there aren't any rules about it either.

-Amie
SigmaLove

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by akamie

I'm wondering if any of you have ever encountered someone of the opposite sex trying to pledge to your sorority or fraternity. Why did they do it? What happened in the end?

We're doing some research at UAA about the role of alternative lifestyles in Greek Life regarding gender, but as far as we know we've never had a man try to join a sorority, or a woman try to join a fraternity. So there aren't any rules about it either.

-Amie
SigmaLove

There aren't rules about it where? I'm positive that most organizations clearly state which gender(s) they are open to.

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

There aren't rules about it where? I'm positive that most organizations clearly state which gender(s) they are open to.

Should they even have to? Is there a hermaphrodite fraternity?

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

Should they even have to? Is there a hermaphrodite fraternity?

Theta Chi specifically mentions males.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

Should they even have to? Is there a hermaphrodite fraternity?

You don't think it's necessary for an organization to specify who membership is open to?

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

Should they even have to? Is there a hermaphrodite fraternity?

Hermaphrodite isn't really an acceptable term anymore, and has been replaced with intersexed, which is still completely different than transgendered or transsexual.

It still comes down to membership selection, and as well all know that MS is private the issues and discussion (if any) will likely be handled there.

[preciousjeni]

In response to some of the other questions that have been posed...

If there were no legal repercussions:

1) Would I be willing to accept a transgendered aspirant (physically male/identifies as a woman): YES

2) Would I be willing to accept a transsexual aspirant (born male/reassignment surgery/identifies as a woman): YES

3) Would I be willing to accept a transgendered aspirant (physically female/identifies as a man): Probably not - If you identify as a man, I'd need a really good reason why you want to join a women's organization.

4) Would I be willing to accept a transsexual aspirant (born female/reassignment surgery/identifies as a man): Same as #3

5) Would I recognized a soror who was transsexual/transgendered, identifying as either a man or a woman: YES, without reservation.

Theta Nu Xi specifically indicates that membership is open to women. Like I said, it wouldn't make sense to me that someone identifying as a man would want to join.

We currently have members who consider themselves gender fluid and/or are trying to determine how they will ultimately identify. Gender - as well as other issues - is difficult to determine for many people because there aren't many choices. Either you're a woman or man. There isn't a whole lot else unless you want to endure the cruelty of the world and be your own person.

I consider myself biologically female, but on the scale from man to woman - gender-wise - I dance on the middle line, mostly leaning toward being a woman. That's probably TMI for some folks who are uncomfortable with this topic. If so, blame it on the QNX.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

3) Would I be willing to accept a transgendered aspirant (physically female/identifies as a man): Probably not - If you identify as a man, I'd need a really good reason why you want to join a women's organization.

I'd think that would pretty much void your chances of getting accepted for surgery.

[akamie]

What I mean by there aren't rules is that at least of the 4 fraternities and sororities we have on campus, there isn't anything codified that defines gender as a standard for membership. For example, in our chapter's bylaws it says we can't deny membership to "anyone" on the basis of sexual orientation, and while all the language uses "her" in other rules, we're trying to consider what happens legally when a male, who identifies as a female, tries to pledge.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by akamie

What I mean by there aren't rules is that at least of the 4 fraternities and sororities we have on campus, there isn't anything codified that defines gender as a standard for membership. For example, in our chapter's bylaws it says we can't deny membership to "anyone" on the basis of sexual orientation, and while all the language uses "her" in other rules, we're trying to consider what happens legally when a male, who identifies as a female, tries to pledge.

There should be a clause in your constitution or bylaws that states that "membership is open to [insert gender]s enrolled in x hours and [any other requirements]"

If a biological male identifies as a female, she is a female (and vice versa). I remember a thread about this. Do a search.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by akamie

For example, in our chapter's bylaws it says we can't deny membership to "anyone" on the basis of sexual orientation, and while all the language uses "her" in other rules, we're trying to consider what happens legally when a male, who identifies as a female, tries to pledge.

What about your national governing documents?

[Senusret I]

I don't consider sexual orientation to be the same as gender identity. You are discussing the latter. Every social organization's bylaws (I am quite sure) will identify which gender they are open to.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I don't consider sexual orientation to be the same as gender identity. You are discussing the latter. Every social organization's bylaws (I am quite sure) will identify which gender they are open to.

Actually no. I know Psi U places no limits on membership on the national membership.

[VandalSquirrel]

I think at the point most people have the money and time, and have completely gone through everything (physically in regards to surgery and hormones, and legally regarding name changes), they'd be a bit old for most traditional systems where the students are 18-22. I know of only one, a 16 year old German named Kim Petras, but that's Germany where the whole health care system is different, and in the US there are many issues surrounding the health insurance, employment, housing, and other economic factors of those who are transgendered. I'd guess that many young people in the USA and Canada who are transgendered are not going to have the resources for surgery at a young age, and many have bigger concerns than joining GLOs.

Second to all that I am sure it comes down to membership selection which is private and there may be groups who have a clause about being "a natural born" man or woman and don't advertise that statement. There are all kinds of reasons people aren't chosen for membership that have nothing to do with being transgendered and most of that is never discussed outside of the membership so I doubt gender identity would. I know the state I live in does not legally change birth certificates so

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

I think at the point most people have the money and time, and have completely gone through everything (physically in regards to surgery and hormones, and legally regarding name changes), they'd be a bit old for most traditional systems where the students are 18-22. I know of only one, a 16 year old German named Kim Petras, but that's Germany where the whole health care system is different, and in the US there are many issues surrounding the health insurance, employment, housing, and other economic factors of those who are transgendered. I'd guess that many young people in the USA and Canada who are transgendered are not going to have the resources for surgery at a young age, and many have bigger concerns than joining GLOs.

Good point.

Hypothetical question... what if you showed up to your organization's convention, and there was someone in the crowd that stuck out like a sore thumb. A male, wearing your letters. Upon investigation, you find out that he was once a female, and had joined your organization 20 years earlier, as a female. How would you feel?

(And guys, same question to you if you knew a female had gained membership in college as a male)