Mizzou Sorority for Girls Who Like Girls

Heterosexism. Sexism. Racism.

With Delta Lambda Phi, the national gay men's fraternity establishing itself at campuses nationwide, there was bound to be organization for homosexual women.

Enter Gamma Rho Lambda, a national sorority committed to gays, people who are bisexual or transgender, and promoting a progressive attitude toward lesbianism.

The sorority's newest colony is located at University of Missouri, and was establish three months ago.

GRL member Tracy Johnson, pictured right in the black t-shirt, said she believes traditional sororities and fraternities promote a “false dichotomy of male and female.” Johnson expanded the topic further.

“Their structure seems often driven by the image of the typical ‘sorority girl,’ and that fits for some people, but it’s creating a lie about how gender works. We’re hoping to defy those customs.”

The colony has gotten off to a strong start, and seems poised to be initiated by the national office, after only a few months of existence - which is much faster than a typical fraternity colonization period.

The sorority has been very active on campus during the colonization period, participating in the "Break the Silence" demonstration pictured a right. It also has plans for many other queer events, such as drag shows.

However, the Mizzou campus is not a naturally fertile ground for an alternative lifestyle organization, according to some members.

“We want to compel ourselves to say that MU is an accepting place,” said Ashley Price, co-founding father of the colony, “but really, mid-Missouri is not the most actively open environment for the LGBT group.”