What do you think of when you picture a ‘frat guy’? Big muscles, backwards hats, and overly gelled hair? For many, the years spent away at college are filled with finding identity and lifelong friends. Some people, like those previously described, find themselves enjoying Greek life, a stereotypical symbol of college. These large organizations help students find community as they begin the journey into adulthood. However, partaking in the rushing experience could backfire for some, particularly queer people. Jillian Delp, a past student at the University of Texas at Austin, recalls hearing people saying “That’s gay” or even slurs, contributing to her choice to stay closeted to her sorority sisters. Describing something as ‘gay’ may be inconsequential to those who have never experienced the pressure of living in a heteronormative society, but the derogatory undertones hint at the homophobia still rampant in society. It’s no secret that people, particularly those still finding an individual identity, will feel more pressured to adhere to the unspoken rules of society. Conforming to stereotypical gender and sexuality roles (also known as compulsory heterosexuality or ‘comphet’) is just one way young queer people try to find a “family” in new environments as it provides a sort of safety net for them in the face of new experiences.
While Greek life provides a community for fledgling college students, it comes with “a group expectation of heterosexuality within its members.” The stereotype of an outgoing guy wearing board shorts and carrying beers is the picture of manliness and what many boys strive to exude. However, studies show that these same men believe homosexuality is a feminine trait, betraying the typical macho image of straight men. This violation of heteronormativity leads to feelings of homophobia within fraternities and unwelcoming environments towards the LGBTQ+ community. Moreover, men in fraternities see male-male relationships as a brotherhood, and a romantic relationship would encroach on this perception. The same can be said for sororities. Straight women who believe that men and women have “complementary” relationships see lesbian relationships as a disruption of the natural order.
Feeling like they don’t fit into a certain box, queer people are pressured to suppress their feelings and true identities in favor of maintaining an illusion. The exclusion of queer people from Greek organizations is no coincidence, these organizations were founded on a rigid notion of gender with many activities that enforce it. However, it is the duty of the fraternities and sororities to ensure that they create an accepting environment for anyone who wishes to rush, rather than waiting to incite change.