The University of Iowa is testing the waters for interest in a fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men. They’re gonna call it Alpha Delta Heeeey!
KIDDING. Actually it’s a pretty nifty idea and, says the Iowa City Press Citizen, there is already a fraternity fitting that description, Delta Lamda Phi, founded in 1986. UI is interested in starting a local chapter. A chapter at Iowa State has four active members and 12 new recruits. One of its members, Chris Celania, told the Citizen, “I’d always been kind of interested in fraternities but was concerned that, as a gay individual, others wouldn’t be accepting,” and that “Delta Lambda Phi is a safe environment.”
UI already has a number of multicultural Greek organizations, “which vary in size from two to 20 members,” the Citizen says, and while none of them have houses, Kelly Jo Karnes, associate director for the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, says “We tell the chapters all the time they don’t need walls to have a great chapter experience,” and they can still participate in Greek life and live together on or off campus.
(Wait. A two-person frat? Isn’t that just called “your friend”?)
We think it’s an awesome idea. It’s just like in “Revenge of the Nerds,” (including not having a house) ... except that now nerds are officially the coolest people on the planet.