I wanted to do a number of mini series that focus on an individual group within the LGBT community that are overlooked or somewhat misunderstood. The first series idea was pitched to me by LGBT model Amiii Phaiye and I fell in love with it and decided to get started immediately! I want to introduce you all to an organization that is doing some positive things for the community through their involvement in Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity incorporated. I hope you all like the series! This is only the beginning. Keep year eyes and ears peeled for more information on Gay Greek organizations within the community!

Interview:

Organization: Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity inc.

Founded: 1985

Number of active Members in Houston Texas: 35

Delta Phi Upsilon representative: Harrison Guy

The Femme: Thank you so much for doing this interview with me! I’m glad we’ll finally be able to shed some light on the Gay Greek organizations within the community. What made you decide to join a gay Greek org?

Harrison: Ive always been interested in on campus activities. I was attending PV at the time I decided to join Delta Phi Upsilon and although I wanted to pledge in a frat, I didn’t feel like I fit in with any of the heterosexuals frats on campus. It can be kind of awkward at straight events and sometimes I felt ostracized. I wanted to celebrate brotherhood without being judged for my sexual orientation. I wanted to be judged on merit alone.

The Femme: Interesting. I definitely understand where your coming from about feeling awkward at times. Do you ever have issues with Greeks in straight organizations who feel like your organization doesn’t measure up to yours?

Harrison: We definitely have issues with other organizations who think we aren’t “worthy” or that were not a “real” organization. We’ve had issues with the ladies from DST because of our name and the colors that we use for our organization. We have also had issues with male fraternities. Both gay and straight. We don’t mind though. Were here to stay.

The Femme: This brings us into the next question. Do you feel like there are rivalries between the gay Greek organizations?

Harrison: Yes. There are definitely rivalries between the groups within the community. That’s to be expected though. Were all competitive and we all want to be the best.

The Femme: Ok. So aside from the strutting and the obvious things that people see you do in the club, what kind of work do you guys do for the community?

Harrison: We’ve done a alot for the community. Just recently we went to an all boys covenant house out here in Houston and implemented “Project Groom” which donated clothes and personal grooming supplies to young men who are homeless. We participate in the AIDS walk every year as well as do a yearly scholarship drive. We’ve also adopted a block on Montrose and clean it regularly.

The Femme: Now that’s a beautiful thing! I must say I’m pleasantly surprised at how much you guys have done for the community. Are you affiliated with any sororities within the LGBT community?

Harrison: No. We’ve actually been looking for some female organizations to connect with. We just haven’t yet.

The Femme: Very good. How often do you guys have to practice before you go out and strut in the club or at different events?

Harrison: It depends. If were going to a pride or a parade than we practice alot more than we would during a normal week. When an event is coming up we practice basically everyday. But take note that not all of us like to strut. There are some people who just don’t prefer to strut in the line and were ok with that too.

The Femme: Interesting. Most people probably assume that the only reason some people join Greek organizations is because they want to strut. Last question. Do you feel like gay greek organizations are more prevalent down South?

Harrison: Yes. Ive been to other parts of the country and gay Greek life seems to be more accepted throughout the Southern regions. We are in the process of expanding and trying to get our name out across the country.

http://www.dphiu.org/