When people think of Greek Life, they imagine the extreme and/or negative aspects of social fraternities: the ones with only men. They also tend to believe they know what type of girl someone is if she says she is in a sorority. When I tell people I’m in a fraternity, however, it’s a whole different reaction.
via Pinterest
They ask if I live in a house with guys, or if I party a lot, and the classic, “Um, fraternity? Did you mean sorority, honey?”
photo courtesy of Shantel Gutierrez
No, I didn’t. I’m in a professional business fraternity.
Now let’s be clear: I am in no way bashing those who chose to pursue the traditional social fraternity and sororities. They’re great organizations and lovely people. I am simply speaking for those who chose a slightly different route in Greek Life and are tired of the common misconceptions.
Yes, there is a such thing as co-ed fraternities, in case you didn’t know. They vary in specialties and there is most likely one in your interest either academically or culturally!
Another common but understandable question I get asked a lot is,” if it’s co-ed, why is it specifically a fraternity?” Well to put it simply, the reason is because the organization was established by men. Women’s fraternities exist as well and many are called sororities now, but that’s another chapter in your history book.
Now let’s get one thing straight. The one thing us fraternity women won’t tolerate is having our chapters being called a “fake” fraternity or having social fraternities being referred to as “real” fraternities. That’s false, and just plain rude! It dismisses all the hard work we put into the chapter, which is just as much work as a social fraternity or sorority. Not having a house because of my fraternity’s rules does not make us any less Greek than our social brothers and sisters on Greek Row.
Yes, girls in fraternities are a thing, and I’m proud to be one of those girls. Not many are aware of it and that’s okay; just listen to what us “frat girls” have to say, and we’ll all be okay.