Sigma Phi Beta (fraternity)

Sigma Phi Beta (ΣΦΒ) is a college fraternity for gay, straight, bisexual, and transgender men. It was founded at Arizona State University (ASU) on September 28, 2003. It originated as the beta chapter of a now-defunct fraternity with similar values, Alpha Lambda Tau.[1] It disaffiliated from Alpha Lambda Tau on May 11, 2003.

Sigma Phi Beta
ΣΦΒ
FoundedSeptember 28, 2003 (2003-09-28)
Tempe, Arizona
TypeCollegiate
ScopeUnited States
MottoBelieve... And none can hinder thee.
ColorsMidnight Blue and Moonlight Silver
FlowerGreen Carnation
MascotGriffin
Chapters3
HeadquartersP.O. Box 937
Tempe, Arizona 85280-0937
US
Websitewww.sigmaphibeta.org

According to its promoters, "The fraternity creates a unique social and educational environment for its members within the traditional Greek fraternity system, while providing all open-minded men in college with career and character building opportunities. By participating in recreational, scholastic, and community service programs, the members of Sigma Phi Beta are transforming into tomorrow's reliable leaders. Sigma Phi Beta values brotherhood, diversity, leadership, education, scholarship, fraternity life, and community service. We embrace tradition while promoting positive change that moves us forward."

It organized as a national body on July 17, 2005, adopting a constitution and bylaws and electing the first fraternity council.[2]

History

Sigma Phi Beta was established at Arizona State University in Tempe in 2003[3] where its first national chapter dates to 2005. Its stated objective is to provide a "uniquely diverse safe space for gay men within the traditional Greek system."[4][5]

The fraternity is open to all who identify as male; the first transgender member of Sigma Phi Beta joined in 2010.[6]

The beta chapter at Indiana University in Bloomington became a colony on November 13, 2009,[7] and a fraternity in Fall 2010.[8][9][10]

The gamma chapter at The Ohio State University in Columbus became a chapter on March 22, 2014.

Requirements

Sigma Phi Beta requires members to:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student in the college or university that the chapter is affiliated with.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.[11]
  • Identify as male.

Sigma Phi Beta prioritizes gender identity over assigned gender, allowing transgender men to join. In accordance with the Fraternity's gender policy, members are not required to be legally male, or assigned male at birth.[6]

Chapters and Colonies

Chapters

Colonies

Interest Groups

See also

References
  1. Choron, Harry and Sandra (2004). College in a Can: What's In, Who's Out, Where To, Why Not, and Everything Else You Need to Know about Life on Campus. p. 25. ISBN 0-618-40871-1.
  2. "Gay fraternity creates national charter, hopes to expand", The Advocate, July 26, 2005, retrieved 2008-09-02
  3. Atwood, April (2009-11-03). "Nation's first gay fraternity starting Indiana chapter". The State Press - An independent daily serving Arizona State University. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  4. "Gay Fraternity Launches At IU". WRTV Indianapolis. November 13, 2010. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  5. "Brandon Thomas: Being Queer, Going Greek". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  6. "College Fraternity Embraces Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Membership". GLAAD. 2010-11-19. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  7. Goldman, Alyssa (2009-11-30). "Gay-allied Sigma Phi Beta becomes official colony". Indiana Daily Student. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  8. "Sigma Phi Beta» GLBTSSS". Indiana.edu. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  9. Bloom, Zachary (2010-11-11). "Gay Fraternity Initiates New Members in New State". EDGE Boston. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  10. Hillhouse, Kirsten. "ASU gay fraternity expands to Indiana University". ASU News | The State Press | Arizona State University. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  11. Brotherhood of Sigma Phi Beta at Middle Tennessee State University. "Constitution and Bylaws".
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