Analysis of Queer Greeks
Do They Exist? Yes, but...
Note: Underlined words are defined in the Background page.
To the left is a compiled list of queer-targeted Greek organizations. Only the four in orange are nationally recognized Greek organizations who still have running chapters. Let's explore each one: Delta Lambda Phi This particular fraternity appears to place transgender men as second class members. The tagline found on the national website is, "Social Fraternity for Gay, Bisexual, and Progressive Men". This phrase is found all over the home page and about pages. We did a "Crtl + F" search for the word "trans" and it did not show up on the website other than in the news section. Under the "Purposes" tab in the about section, DLP states that this fraternity gives progressive men the typical fraternity experience without singling them out for their sexual orientation. They failed to include that they welcome men regardless of gender assigned at birth. In the UCLA Chapter website, trans men are finally mentioned in FAQs page, but the paragraph on trans-inclusion is full of incorrect language like use of "female/male bodied" and the grammatically incorrect "transgendered". |
Gamma Rho Lambda
This sorority passes the test in terms of valuing transgender active and prospective members as equals with cisgender members. The word "transgender" is listed alongside other queer identities on every page. The website also minimizes use of gendered words since "woman/women" only show up 3 times in the entire national website. GRL extends membership to people with "no labels". Since "no labels" contradicts with "woman", we came to the conclusion that "no labels" applies to sexual orientation rather than gender identity. While this organization may focus on womanhood, it definitely values and welcomes binary transgender women and its limited use of gender language shows that Gamma Rho Lambda tries not to impose binary behavior and female/feminine gender roles. |
Sigma Phi Beta
This fraternity also passes the test in terms of valuing transgender members. In their trans-inclusive policy, they state that male is self-identified regardless of sex assigned at birth. SPB is similar to GRL in that it fully recognizes transgender members and uses correct language. However, we feel that SPB is less open to members who may not totally conform to gender roles or the binary. In their trans policy and on the website, a large quantity of gendered language is used to emphasizes brotherhood and maleness. There is just as much emphasis on male gender as a traditional fraternity would have. Assuming that SPB places the same emphasis in real life and not just on paper, SPB would be pushing the gender binary and enforcing male gender expression just as much as the average traditional fraternity. The trans-inclusive policy states that members will remain members regardless of any gender identity shifts. However, "brother" and other words that emphasize maleness is not inclusive of members who may identify as trans women or non-binary people.
This fraternity also passes the test in terms of valuing transgender members. In their trans-inclusive policy, they state that male is self-identified regardless of sex assigned at birth. SPB is similar to GRL in that it fully recognizes transgender members and uses correct language. However, we feel that SPB is less open to members who may not totally conform to gender roles or the binary. In their trans policy and on the website, a large quantity of gendered language is used to emphasizes brotherhood and maleness. There is just as much emphasis on male gender as a traditional fraternity would have. Assuming that SPB places the same emphasis in real life and not just on paper, SPB would be pushing the gender binary and enforcing male gender expression just as much as the average traditional fraternity. The trans-inclusive policy states that members will remain members regardless of any gender identity shifts. However, "brother" and other words that emphasize maleness is not inclusive of members who may identify as trans women or non-binary people.
Theta Pi Sigma
Theta Pi Sigma is the winner of the most trans-friendly and trans-inclusive queer targeted Greek organization. TPS is a gender-neutral frarority that accepts queer people of all gender identities. The website includes bios of active members and they have all types of members, including non-binary ones who use they/them/their pronouns. |