Abstract (click to view)
College is a time of exploration and growth for many individuals. It is especially important for LGBTQ folxs; for some LGBTQ folxs, college is the first time they can explore their LGBTQ identities free of judgment. Others seek community and find it within fraternities and sororities. Yet, traditional fraternities and sororities are notoriously not LGBTQ friendly. These organizations promote a hypermasculine, heteronormative, homophobic, and transphobic environment. For LGBTQ Greeks, the situation can be emotionally taxing. Through this project, the investigators aim to deepen their learning about these experiences to build solutions to help LGBTQ Greeks feel confident in their LGBTQ identities in Greek spaces. In the long term, the investigators aim to learn more about how to develop systems to protect and empower LGBTQ individuals in anti-LGBTQ spaces. They will learn about the Greek experience for LGBTQ members at Southern Methodist University and co-create a solution for their intersectional needs. They will employ human-centered design methods to help the LGBTQ Greek community feel comfortable in spaces they might not typically occupy.
Wren Lee
Major: Creative Computation; Minors: Human Rights and Women and Gender Studies
Faculty mentor: Dustin Grabsch
Your project was well conceptualized. Thanks for the link to your website. Using the design thinking process has potential for helping sororities and fraternities (and campuses) build a more LGBTQ-inclusive community. I am curious whether the various Fellows incorporate this research and about your next steps.
Thank you for this presentation. I have to admit I had never really thought about this aspect of Greek life but as LGBTQ awareness increases, this aspect must be addressed. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Great video, Wren! I agree with previous comments that your approach has great potential to increase inclusivity. I appreciated hearing the quotes from students about their experiences as well.