Queer and Greek

An introductory guide to fraternity/sorority recruitment for transgender and non-binary students

This guide outlines five tips for students who identify as transgender and non-binary and who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority on campus. It covers some of the unique but common concerns that come up during the recruitment process for transgender and non-binary individuals. Of course, each campus will have their own resources, so be sure to explore what's available to you!

1. Research the fraternities/sororities on your campus.

Each group has their own values and ideals. As part of their membership standards, many groups also have a minimum GPA requirement, and some even require their members to participate in other student clubs on campus. As you do your research, think about:

• Does the fraternity/sorority have a transgender or a non-binary membership policy? 

Many groups have developed policies on transgender eligibility, and a small few have policies addressing non-binary eligibility. 

• What are their values? 

Joining a fraternity/sorority is about more than the social gatherings; each group is centered around unique ideals and histories that guide members over their lifetimes.

• What kinds of activities and events do they do?

Almost all groups engage in community service projects and philanthropic events, including causes you may also care about.

2. Evaluate transgender membership policies.

Most transgender-inclusive policies require students to (consistently) live and identify as male for men's groups or as female for women's groups, regardless of your sex assigned at birth. This means that most organizations will not require documentation of your lived gender. Of course, each group is different, so research is important here. 

3. Consider potential risks of being outed.

• Your gender expression.

Depending on your own gender expression, it is possible that you'll still receive questions or comments in passing about your gender identity and expression from other students during recruitment.

• Dress codes.

Research which organizations require a dress code (casual and/or formal) during recruitment. Many organizations' dress codes will likely include stereotypically gendered clothing, including suits and ties, dresses, high heels, and make-up.

• Recruitment registration forms.

Many campuses will ask you provide your name, student ID number, and other relevant information to confirm your eligibility to participate in recruitment, like your GPA and credit hours. The eligibility-verification process creates risk of being unintentionally outed, including:

• Being enrolled under one name but registering for recruitment under another name

• Having an "M," "F," or "X" gender marker on file with the college or university

• Using desired pronouns on recruitment materials, such as "they/them" on name tags

4. Reach out to your campus fraternity/sorority life office.

Staff in the fraternity/sorority life office can help you find more information about each organization, their values, and whether they have a transgender- or non-binary-inclusive membership policy.

• Is there an affinity group or student club for fraternity/sorority members who identify as LGBTQ+?

These students can also help you find more information about each fraternity or sorority on campus.

• Get to know current members of the groups you are particularly interested in.

You want to be sure that you find an organization where you feel comfortable and get along with the current members.

5. Know that primary/fall recruitment isn't the end all, be all.

Opportunities to join a fraternity/sorority are not a one size fits all experience. Many groups recruit year-round through processes like "continuous open bid" and "open recruitment." These recruitment processes can often be more personalized, less time-intensive, and even less costly.

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Have a question or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you at info@TAstrategies.com!

Special thanks to Stace Sievert, Whitman College, for inspiring this idea, and for the students of Whitman College who shared their time and insights to support the development of this guide.

Last updated September 14, 2024

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