New fraternity brings diversity to campus

The approximately 15 members of Delta Lambda Phi, the first fraternity catering to gay students on campus, are working to ensure the organization gets off to a successful start. \nLed by senior president Steven Ary, the fraternity, which is open to all students regardless of sexual orientation, will colonize Jan. 19. The fraternity has already recruited its first "Alpha" class and elected officers for the year.\n"I think it\'s very important because it gives people a chance to understand what being gay or bisexual is all about,\" said secretary Jeff Alewine, a junior. \"It gives people who are of that orientation a forum through which they can express their ideas and beliefs. It also gives more exposure to the public.\" \nSophomore pledge master Andy Yates deemed the colonization "a milestone."\n\"IU works so hard to promote anti-discrimination when it comes to sexual orientation, but there\'s always something controversial surrounding greek life and homosexuality," Yates said. "To have a fraternity really open about the issue of sexual orientation is a really important step to take.\"\nFollowing colonization, the fraternity will turn its attention to recruiting its Beta class and scheduling service projects and fundraising ventures, Yates said. \nAlewine said he expects the fraternity to blossom into a full-fledged participant in the greek system within the next several years.\n\"It will be a full member of the greek system,\" Alewine said. \"We\'re trying to get a house, but I think it\'s going to take a few years for it to really get established. I feel that not as many people are going to want to pledge simply because there\'s not as many people in the gay population as there is in the straight population…but after a few years, I think it can be a big thing.\"\nGay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Support Services Coordinator Doug Bauder said he worries that establishing the fraternity will not solve campus diversity problems.\n\"I am committed to diversity, and if this does that, then I\'ll be really pleased,\" Bauder said. \"But I\'m worried that it will be perceived as another exclusive group. So, my hope would be that the group would be advocating for openness for gay issues in the larger greek system by being a model...I think there is a larger need for the campus to be accepting of our gay and lesbian students and I\'m concerned that the fraternity won\'t be able to do that.\" \nAlewine said because the fraternity is open to all sexual orientations, it not only offers support but also fosters diversity. \n\"I think it\'s important for people to know it\'s not exactly a gay frat,\" Alewine said. \"It\'s open to any males who want to be in it. Labeling it as a gay fraternity can be a good and a bad thing. It can get people a chance to have a belonging within their sexual orientation, but it can also be a point of controversy."