Greek life, a college subculture steeped in collegiate tradition, has historically boasted exclusivity, elitism, and strict adherence to gender norms. While these characteristics may have persisted in the past and still echo at other institutions, I confidently dispel these notions within the Tech community. My sisters in Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) and fellow Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) members embraced my sexuality without hesitation, affirming my identity and place within Greek life.
Let me take you back to formal recruitment week in August 2023. Upon arriving at Tech’s campus and settling into my Towers dorm room, a blend of excitement and trepidation coursed through me. I adamantly believed that the label “sister” would never grace my name. Yet, in a city where unfamiliarity enveloped me, I hungered for connections with fellow first-years, making rush an enticing path.
Gathering with my recruitment group on that first day, I admired the array of girls, each with diverse personalities and backgrounds, yet I hesitated to reveal my true self. Our recruitment counselors (RCs) urged us to “embrace our values,” assuring us that not fitting into a particular house didn’t diminish our worth. I presented myself naturally to these sororities, but I still harbored an air of imposter syndrome. Midway through the week, exhaustion and doubt clouded my spirits. Would these houses accept me if they knew I was queer? I clung to stereotypes of what a sorority girl should embody, grappling with self-doubt until a pivotal moment.
In a quiet conversation with one of my RCs, I disclosed my sexuality. Her response resonated more deeply than she could know, offering a glimmer of acceptance that redirected my college journey. She illuminated the possibility of forging genuine connections through the recruitment process and beyond. Ultimately accepting a bid from Alpha Chi Omega, I now view joining Greek life as one of my most transformative decisions. The bonds I share with my sisters in AXO transcend mere friendship; they are my chosen family.
Attending my first Pride event with my AXO sisters marked a profound shift. Hailing from south Georgia, where Pride was an unfamiliar concept often met with resistance, I had concealed this aspect of myself during high school to avoid judgment. Within months at Tech, my sisters embraced and uplifted me. Witnessing the parade, surrounded by those who not only accepted but celebrated love, was a cathartic experience — an affirmation I longed for but never dared to imagine.
Our events such as semi-formal, formal and date nights welcome people of all genders and backgrounds, which is refreshingly unique. Reflecting on high school, I felt immense pressure to take a man as a date to homecoming and prom. Taking a woman was never an option, and AXO does an excellent job of supporting people like me who do not fit into a heteronormative image. My-Tie, a popular date night event at SEC schools, does not find a place in our sorority’s agenda; many CPC organizations at Tech recognize that this event may reinforce heteronormative standards and detract from supporting all members. I applaud and appreciate Greek life’s movement toward a more inclusive environment.
For LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating or considering Greek life, these stigmas can create a double bind. The tension between personal identity and Greek norms can foster isolation and invisibility, fueling fears of rejection from both Greek peers and LGBTQIA+ communities alike. Despite these challenges, my journey within AXO has revealed a community evolving to embrace diversity and amplify voices once marginalized.
If this article leaves you with anything, let it be this: love loudly and unconditionally, defying boundaries and stereotypes. Through acceptance and celebration, we challenge outdated perceptions and forge a more inclusive future within Greek life and beyond. My experience at Tech and within AXO exemplifies the transformative power of authenticity and community — a reminder to embrace who you are and to seek connections that uplift and empower.