Now more than ever, it is difficult to defend the Greek Community around the country. Recent history is all but confirming many people’s preconceived notions about “frat guys,” with issues of hazing, alleged sexual misconduct, and racial tensions, it is difficult to find the light at the end of the tunnel. However, I can find solace in just how diverse of a community we have become. Joining a fraternity was a decision I will never regret, it opened many doors for me and gave me opportunities I would not have had otherwise. Before I joined a fraternity, I didn’t know anything about diversity, I had only a handful of non-white friends, and was very ignorant to issues surrounding people who were not like me. Through it all, I gained my first friends who identified with sexual orientations other than my own. I am a straight white male, who only ever cared about stuff that straight white males generally care about, and that changed once a friend who was too afraid to come out, for fear of public backlash enlightened me about the struggles of and harsh realities of dealing with your sexuality when it is not considered the societal “norm.” This was a life-changing experience, to realize just how judgmental and harsh the world can be.
[pullquote]Joining a fraternity was never about partying or doing other fratty stuff, it has always been about finding a collection of diverse people.[/pullquote]It was at this point that I made it a top priority in my life to become more educated in the subject of social change and decided that I would now engage in social activism. With the guidance of other brothers in my fraternity, I became an LGBTQA Ally. Joining a fraternity was never about partying or doing other fratty stuff, it has always been about finding a collection of diverse people of all shapes, sizes and colors who would help me to improve and grow as a man, which I can say with absolute certainty that I accomplished. I encourage all members of the Greek Community to do as I did and reach out to such resources such as LGBTQA services as well as the Women’s Center. I highly recommend that all people attempt to reserve their judgment when it comes to fraternities, because if it weren’t for mine, I would not have sought out to become the LGBT and social equality advocate I am today.