INTRIODUCTION
When Dylan Mason began his journey as a freshman at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, his mother imparted three heartfelt pieces of advice as she dropped him off at his dormitory:
avoid getting a tattoo, refrain from piercing his ears, and steer clear of joining a fraternity.
Now 20 years old and having just completed his second year of college, Mason finds himself as a proud member of the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau, a decision he never anticipated making.
Initially, he had no intention of joining a fraternity, but a pivotal moment during winter recruitment changed his perspective.
While walking through the student center, he overheard members of another fraternity making jokes about the idea of him rushing, which deeply affected him.
This experience ignited a determination within Mason to prove the naysayers wrong, ultimately motivating him to pursue a place in Greek life and embrace a community he had once thought was not for him.
From the initial animosity emerged a profound sense of camaraderie. Mason, who serves as the vice president of his fraternity, reflects on how his fraternity brothers are individuals he likely would not have associated with during his high school years. Yet, despite their differences, they have become some of his closest friends.
This transformation highlights the remarkable aspect of diversity; it fosters connections that transcend previous social barriers.
Mason emphasizes that, although he may stand out in various ways, he has found a place within this community—a brotherhood that many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community often find elusive.
This sense of belonging is not only significant for Mason but also underscores the importance of inclusive environments where diverse identities can thrive together.
Greek inclusion growing
The landscape of Greek life has undergone significant transformation, particularly in terms of diversity and inclusivity, as noted by Douglas N.
Case, a former coordinator of fraternity and sorority life at San Diego State University and a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Historically, fraternities and sororities have faced criticism for their homophobic attitudes; however, recent trends indicate a positive shift.
In his research published in 1996 and 2007, Case documented a substantial increase in the visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals within these organizations.
In 1996, only 25% of LGBTQ+ men and 19% of LGBTQ+ women reported being open about their sexual orientation to their Greek peers.
By 2007, this figure had risen dramatically, with 79% of LGBTQ+ participants in Greek life feeling comfortable enough to come out.
As we look towards 2025, Case emphasizes that this evolution is ongoing, reflecting a broader societal shift towards acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Greek community.
In a 2022 study involving a modest sample of 50 LGBTQ+ students, Chana Etengoff, an associate professor of psychology at Adelphi University in New York,
uncovered noteworthy insights regarding the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Greek life.
Despite acknowledging the limited size of her sample, Etengoff reported that 66% of the LGBTQ+ participants described their involvement in Greek organizations as a positive experience,
while an impressive 88% indicated that Greek life had a beneficial impact on their overall college journey.
This finding surprised Etengoff, who remarked on the complexity of LGBTQ+ identities, emphasizing that these individuals cannot be solely defined by their sexual or gender identities.
She highlighted that participation in Greek life can be a significant aspect of their college experience, suggesting that LGBTQ+ students possess diverse motivations that extend beyond their identities.
‘A built-in community of lifelong friendships’
Delta Lambda Phi (DLP) stands out as a fraternity that exemplifies the advantages of Greek life for LGBTQ+ students. Founded in 1987 by Vernon L.
Strickland III, DLP was created as a welcoming social environment specifically for gay men, although it is open to all men. T
he organization was established to provide an alternative to the often superficial relationships that can dominate queer social interactions, which frequently focus on sexual encounters.
By fostering a sense of community and brotherhood, DLP aims to cultivate meaningful connections among its members, promoting inclusivity and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
This fraternity not only serves as a social outlet but also as a platform for personal growth and empowerment, highlighting the positive impact of Greek life on the lives of its members.
