Transgender in a Fraternity

[bigblue012]

I was just wondering if someone who was transgender and already completed the transition and all the documents said they were male even though they were born female, would they be able to join a fraternity?If so, would it be difficult to do?

[knight_shadow]

That's going to depend on the fraternity.

We had a few discussions about this before:

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=103334
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=117019
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=111247

[TEAtime]

Originally Posted by bigblue012

I was just wondering if someone who was transgender and already completed the transition and all the documents said they were male even though they were born female, would they be able to join a fraternity?If so, would it be difficult to do?

Aside from the fact that it's pretty rare for a college student to have fully transitioned (GRS), trans folk who aren't activists typically don't go around outing themselves as trans.

A stealth FTM seeking membership in a cis-male fraternity as opposed to an FTM fraternity probably doesn't want to be known as trans.

In those rare cases where a college student has the means for safe transition and GRS, it would likely be difficult if they began the school as one gender and people observed the transition. I'm thinking not as difficult if they started one school as one gender, had GRS, transferred and then sought membership.

[Splash]

If they could pass and told no one? Well definitely.

If they told? Well that would depend on the fraternity/sorority. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, but you know that people might dismiss them because of it. I don't know if groups have rules against it.

I just finished reading this book called Trans-Sister Radio that's about a transgendered MTF. It's sooooo good if anyone is interested in this subject.

Edit: They might also have to legally change their gender?

[ΛΧΑgreek376]

It depends on the policies of the national organizations on your campus, and the attitudes of the local chapters. Your first step should probably be to go to your Greek adviser to ask if they can tell your more about national policies. You need to find which chapters are allowed to extend you a bid, knowing your transgendered status.

[Greek_or_Geek?]

In the internet age of social media networks where everyone is starting to know everyone else's business no matter how far away and removed they are, this is the kind of secret that would be difficult to keep over the long run.

[pshsx1]

Originally Posted by Greek_or_Geek?

In the internet age of social media networks where everyone is starting to know everyone else's business no matter how far away and removed they are, this is the kind of secret that would be difficult to keep over the long run.

Not 100% true. I have close to fully transitioned friends on Facebook and there are literally no records of any "past gender" on their pages. Especially so if they are at a point in their life that family and friends have completely made the social adjustment.

[DrPhil]

I agree with both Greek or Greek and pshsx1. It really depends. Even friends and family who have adjusted can accidentally refer to you as your former name or former gender. It happens and with no ill will.

There will always be records of the former gender or people who know you in the former gender--unless the person transitioned shortly after birth and did not take a photo, have hospital records, birth certificate and ID cards, or know friends and family in their previous gender. I remember reuniting with someone 20 years ago. "He" was now a "she." Everyone in her life had made the adjustment but here I was, a blast from the past, looking for the man that I knew. Everyone was like "there she is" and I was like "she? no, I'm looking for (insert man's name)." This person was not the most convincing transition even after the years of hormones and so forth therefore I doubt that anyone would be shocked that I knew "her" as a "he."

[bigblue012]

Alright thank you very much to all of you for responding. My best friend is transgender (female to male) and is almost done with his transition. He is transferring colleges and wants to join a fraternity. Thanks again!