1. LGBT Issues in Fraternity Life
Mark Kalinich, 2013 DKE

2. Overview Why I’m Here Why You Should Care about LGBT Issues
LGBT Issues in Fraternity Life
Suggestions for Improvement
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

3. Who I Am Senior in Chemical-Biological Engineering
Played Football Middle School-Freshman Year MIT
Love weightlifting/powerlifting
ΔKE Brother
Gay
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

4. Why I’m Here Explain LGBT Fraternity Issues
Suggest ways to help provide a safe and accepting environment for LGBT brothers (both in and out of the closet)
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

5. Family Rejection Because of Homosexuality Leads to1:
Why You Should Care
Family Rejection Because of Homosexuality Leads to1:
8.4-fold increase in suicide attempts
5.9-fold increase in serious depression
3.4-fold increase in illegal drug use
1Ryan et al. “Family Rejection as a Predictor of Negative Health Outcomes in White and Latino Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults.” Pediatrics peds
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

6. It’s More than Just Numbers
“I was extremely close to killing myself. I now know that suicide is never a good option, but back then I thought that was the only way out of this whole mess. . . Anyway, thank you Mark, because although you didn't actively do anything for me, without knowing it, you were honestly the first positive "thing" in a sea of negative shit that was eating away at me” — from February 22nd 2013
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

7. Main Problems I Saw NOT: Active bullying or harassment
Use and Acceptance of homophobic language
Heteronormative assumption
Combine to yield an environment of “passive hostility” that prevents LGBT brothers from feeling safe/accepted
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

8. Insert Link to “NoHomophobes.com”
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

9. Problem #1 Homophobic Language
“That’s so gay”
“Faggot”
“Queer”
“Fairy”
“No homo”
“Dyke”
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

10. Language Suggestions
Try to remove homophobic language from your vocabulary
Speak out when others use homophobic language
Discuss derogatory language use as a house
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

11. Issue #2: Heteronormativity
Basic Problem: Assumptions
Coupling of Sexual Orientation and Masculinity
Leads to Gender-specific Language
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

12. Suggestions Use Gender-Neutral Language
Ask supportive questions “Who were you out with/dating”
Don’t assume!
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

13. FAQ: A Brother Comes Out4
DO:
Be Patient/let them come out at their own pace. 
ASK who they want to know and what you can do to help them
Commit yourself as an ally
DO NOT:
Out them
Push them to disclose information they don’t want to
Make Derogatory Gay Jokes
4 “Tips for When a Person Comes Out to You.” USC Student Affairs.
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

14. Summary: How You Can Help3
Accept and Support LGBT Equality
Avoid homophobic language
Confront those who don’t
Don't assume everyone is heterosexual.
Use inclusive language (date vs. girl)
3 “What is an Ally.” University of Akron’s Lesbian, Gay Transgendered and Bisexual Union, 14 December
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

15. Resources/Contact
Abigail Francis-Director, Rainbow Lounge Mark
2/28/2013
IFC LGBT Presentation

16. IFC Presidents’ Council LGBT Presentation
Questions?
3/14/2013
IFC Presidents’ Council LGBT Presentation