Angie Leventis LourgosContact ReporterChicago Tribune
A Northwestern University freshman who recently came out as transgender tried to join a sorority this month, yearning for deeper friendships on campus.
The case is unusual because the student is a transgender man, born with a female body but identifying as male, and already beginning to make that transition. Eighteen-year-old Adam Davies said he was drawn to the tenets of Greek life — philanthropy, bonding and leadership — but that with his changing body he might not feel comfortable living in a fraternity.
So he sought out the sisterhood of a sorority instead.
"I guess I see it on a level that transcends the gender binary," said Davies, of Appleton, Wis.
While many international sororities have in the last few years adopted language to better include transgender women, this was among the first instances in which an openly transgender man participated in Panhellenic Recruitment, according to the organization's national conference based in Indianapolis, which covers 26 social sororities on more than 670 campuses around the world. Northwestern officials believe this is likely the first case of its kind at the university.
In the end, no sorority extended Davies a bid. Because each chapter's membership decisions are private, it's unclear whether gender identity was a factor. Other students — regardless of gender identity — in past years have attempted to join a sorority without receiving a bid.
Davies said he's disappointed he won't experience a candlelight ceremony, wear Greek letters or have a mentoring relationship with an older sorority member.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-northwestern-transgender-sorority-rush-met-20170121-story.html
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