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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the nation's oldest historically Black intercollegiate Greek letter fraternity, is reportedly considering a ban on transgender members. If the proposal continues to advance, it’s believed Alpha would be the second Black fraternity to institute such a ban, following Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
GLAAD exclusively reported last week that delegates of the organization would consider an amendment to its bylaws at its Constitutional Convention that would reportedly only allow members who are “defined as a human being naturally born male, who remains and continually identifies as a male.” On July 15, GLAAD reported that, according to sources, delegates approved the amendment, moving it forward to another round of approvals before it becomes final.
According to GLAAD, it's not clear how the ban would be enforced if adopted, or how many active members it might impact.
While some, including Alpha members, have expressed disapproval on social media, GLAAD reports that delegates voted “overwhelmingly” to pass the trans ban. In its reporting, GLAAD noted that interviews with Alpha members suggested a generational divide, with leadership who tended to be older and more conservative, and the general body can skew younger and more progressive.
David Johns, CEO and executive director of the Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, National Black Justice Coalition, called proposals like this one contradictory to founding goals of Black fraternities. Alpha was founded in 1906 at Cornell University as a “study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially,” according to the fraternity website.
“These proposals starkly contradict the historical commitment to equality, justice, and the advancement of all Black people,” Johns told The Hill. “By seeking to exclude transgender people, these fraternities are turning their backs on the very principles of brotherhood and inclusivity that they were founded upon and are a betrayal of the legacy of activism and leadership that these organizations have upheld for over a century.”
Teen Vogue has reached out to Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. for comment but has not yet heard back.
