Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity is just like any
other collegiate fraternity. They rush. They pledge. They even
promise an eternal bond of brotherhood.
But DLP is different in that their 2,000 members mainly identify
themselves as gays, bisexuals or progressives ““ a roster that
is relatively unheard of in the fraternity community.
The fraternity may establish itself at UCLA within the next
couple of weeks and would be the first fraternity on campus devoted
specifically to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
community.
The introduction of the new fraternity comes largely in response
to student efforts.
The fraternity was established in 1986 and may sound familiar to
some students because it once existed briefly on the UCLA campus
during the 1980s before fading out from campus life for unknown
reasons.
Though fraternities do not as a rule discriminate against
students of different sexual orientations, Richard
Passmore-Ramirez, a third-year Chicana/o
studies student, felt that it was not enough for the LGBT
community.
“There still is a stigma about homosexuals in
fraternities,” Passmore-Ramirez said. “It may not be
vocalized, but it still is very much a heterosexual practice.
They’ll have a fraternity party, but they’ll invite a
sorority. … You’ll never see two men dancing together (at a
fraternity).”
So Passmore-Ramirez set out to establish a new fraternity
specifically to serve that community.
He contacted DLP and soon the national fraternity was recruiting
members and finding funds.
But the Interfraternity Council at UCLA has placed a moratorium
on establishing any new fraternities due to personnel shortages,
Passmore-Ramirez said.
The national office of DLP petitioned the council, but for the
time being the fraternity will remain a special-interest group on
campus rather than a regular fraternity.
An informational meeting was widely attended by interested
students Tuesday night at Royce Hall.
It featured brothers from neighboring chapters, as well as Randy
Hubach, the national vice president for outreach for DLP. Hubach
also sits on the board of directors for DLP.
Hubach said he believes the fraternity is particularly
beneficial for UCLA, because it can provide acceptance in addition
to the Greek experience.
“We’re a new flavor … (but) we’re all
fraternal brothers as well, no matter what our Greek
letters,” Hubach said.
Hubach maintains that DLP is a very traditional fraternity,
providing the same opportunities and experiences that any other
fraternity could, including leadership training, resume-building
events, camping excursions and fundraisers.
“We try to make an environment that allows people to be
themselves,” said Hubach.
Other organizations on campus have expressed support for the new
fraternity.
“It’s a good opportunity for students to experience
different things in the queer community and do community
service,” said James Birks, a second-year psychology student
and a board member of BlaQue, UCLA’s black queer community
group.
Danny Torres, a second-year biology student and a Queer Alliance
board member, said he believes the new fraternity could give
students a chance to make connections within their community.
“This is another organization that provides outreach, and
it provides networking,” he said.
During the meeting Tuesday night, fraternity leaders said they
expect a DLP chapter to be officially established on campus in
about two weeks.
DLP has not yet determined what sorts of activities they will do
on campus, but chapters at other schools have social events such as
an annual drag show in addition to their more traditional
activities.