Gay and Greek

Whitney Hughes
Theta Nu Xi

Identifying with the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community and being Greek have long been seen as two things that don't go hand in hand.  But the Greek community, along with Student Government and the LGBTQ Affairs Cabinet of the Multicultural and Diversity Affairs beg to differ. With a panel of eight Greek-affiliated members (Devon Vickers, Lucas Novaes, Mirella Flores, Darwin Cantero-Muno, Suzelle Guinart, Haley Grunwald, Contessa Middleton, Cody Talcott) representing all four councils (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National-Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council), questions were asked and discussions were made about what it means to be LGBTQ and Greek.  Some of the panelists identified as gay or lesbian, while others were heterosexual or avoided labels altogether.  Audience members were allowed to write down and submit there questions to be moderated by Lauren Hannahs.

Questions asked included whether or not they were out when they pledged and if they had any fears about coming out to the members of their respective organizations. Questions also touched on how Greek organizations can educate not only themselves, but other members of the LGBTQ inclusivity within Greek life.  As each panelist gave his or her answer, I started to think back to the Multicultural and Diversity Affairs Director, Jerry Cruz, opening speech. As a gay man, he felt that his views didn’t align with the messages and environment while in undergrad of those in Greek life when initially considering to become apart of it. So he chose not to join at all, but founded his own Latino fraternity in graduate school. When I thought about this, I started to wonder what my sisterhood would be like if my sisters who identify with the LGBTQ community decided not to join while in undergrad because they felt they wouldn’t fit in due to their sexual orientation. I would’ve missed out on meeting some amazing women in my life.

In an effort to raise awareness that Greek life is welcoming to everyone, LGBTQ included, someone has to take the first step.  Whether it’s co-sponsoring events with Pride Student Union, participating in the LGBTQ parade downtown, educating not only our members but those of non-Greek affiliation on the subject, or simply eliminating “that’s gay” from your list of phrases. We can be the change we want to see in strengthening Greek and LGBTQ relations on our campus.

Whitney is a sophomore studying exploratory sciences. You may contact her at whughes@ufl.edu.