"I have a Queery about...Being Gay and Greek" ft. Addison McKissack

Queer Queeries

"What was the hardest part about being out in a sorority?" "Did ever feel you were just used as a face of acceptance and inclusion for a place that wasn't that?" "What are the best parts about Greek life?" "How can we change a system so rooted in antiquated ways?"
On this week's episode, I interview Addison McKissack (she/her), who's a journalist and the editor of our show; not only that but she is also and Alpha Delta Pi alumna and the first openly gay president of the National Panhellenic Conference chapter at Texas State. Something that is very integral to the college experience is that of Greek life. However, the unfortunate thing about this system, is that its many antiquated elements (language and policies) that negatively perpetuate gender roles and heteronormativity. Though, as Addison shares, there are many positive elements to the Greek life--creating family that expands generations, the philanthropic elements--it can often be hard to acknowledge the good when the "foundation of the house" is made up of elitist principles. Addison tells her story of doing Alpha Delta Pi and eventually becoming the first openly gay president of the Texas Sate Chapter of the National Panhellenic Conference.
We also discuss:

• Organizations and companies commodifying Queer and BIPOC people as faces of inclusion and diversity.
• Traditions that perpetuate inherent heteronormativity
• Exclusion of Queer people in the Greek system
• Why the Greek system should still exist
• How to make the system more inclusive

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Organization of the Week: House of GG
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Resources for Further Learning:

• Secret Sisters: Stories of Being Lesbian and Bisexual in a College Sorority
• "Gay and Greek: LGBTQ+ students make homes in fraternities and sororities"
• "What's It Like Being Queer and in Greek Life? 4 Students Tell Us"
• Greek and queer: LGBTQ+ students navigate Greek life at the university

Show Produced by Nick Eibler
Edited by Addison McKissack
Theme Song written by Matt Gregory, Colin Egan, and Mike Hubbard
Produced by Colin Egan and Mike Hubbard
Logo Design by David Pavón