Theta Pi Sigma (ΘΠΣ) was an American queer-focused, gender-neutral fraternal organization. It was established in 2005 at the University of California, Santa Cruz and has expanded to six chapters across the United States. It was the world's first queer-focused, gender-neutral Greek organization.
| Theta Pi Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΘΠΣ | |
 | |
| Founded | 2005 University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Queer life |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | θάνατος προτου συμμορφωση ("Death Before Conformity") |
| Pillars | Openness, Growth, and Respect |
| Colors | Charcoal Gray, Snow White, and Sky Blue |
| Symbol | Torch and Rainbow |
| Flower | Red rose |
| Chapters | 2 active |
| Headquarters | United States |
History
editIn 2005, Marc Garcia formed the frarority[1] of Delta Lambda Psi at the University of California, Santa Cruz.[2][3][4] Its purpose was "to strengthen Greek life at the University of California, Santa Cruz by providing a vehicle for positive leadership, change, and growth in the queer, transsexual, transgender, questioning, pansexual, lesbian, intersex, gender-queer, gay, bisexual, asexual and ally communities".[5][6][4] Its was gender neutral and queer focused.[2][4]
The second chapter of Theta Pi Sigma was founded in 2012 at the Northeastern Illinois University, followed by a chapter at the University of Oregon later that year.[4] Thus, Theta Pi Sigma became world's first queer-focused, gender-neutral Greek organization.[2]
In 2012, Delta Lambda Phi, an established gay fraternity, sued Delta Lambda Pi, saying that the name similarity and the identical initials, DLP, was a violation of its trademark.[3][7] The lawsuit claimed that Garcia created Delta Lambda Pi after meeting members of Delta Lambda Phi at a conference at the University of California, Santa Cruz.[3] At the time the law suite was filed Delta Lambda Pi was in the process of establishing a chapter at the University of Oregon which already had a chapter of Delta Lambda Phi; the lawsuit was filed in Oregon.[7]
As a result of the lawsuit, Delta Lambda Phi changed its name to Theta Pi Sigma. In 2015, the Alpha chapter of Theta Pi Sigma voted to stop using the term frarority due to the gender binary connotations of the term.[1][4]
Symbols
editTheta Pi Sigma's motto is θάνατος προτου συμμορφωση or "Death Before Conformity". The name Theta Pi Sigma is an acronym for its motto.[8][4] Its values or pillars are Openness, Growth, and Respect.[4] Its colors are charcoal gray, snow white, and sky blue.[4]
Its badge is a blue shield with silver trim, divided into three sections. The top left section features three swords, recalling the three founding families, the upper rights consists of puzzle pieces that symbolize unity, and the bottom section includes a rainbow to represent all genders and sexualities.[4] Above the shield is a torch that symbolizes knowledge.[4] Below the shield is a banner with the Greek motto and the 2005 founding date.[4] The shield is surrounded by red roses to represent growth and death.[4]
Activities
editThe organization's activities include hosting LGBTQ educational panels and a queer prom.[5] The group also holds fundraisers to support scholarships for members and funding for its chapters.[5]
Chapters
editIn the following list, active chapters are indicated in bold and inactive chapters are in italics.[4]
| Chapter | Charter date and range | Institution | Location | Status | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | 2005–c. 2023 | University of California, Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, California | Inactive | [9][7] |
| Beta | 2012–c. 2020 | Northeastern Illinois University | Chicago, Illinois | Inactive | [4][7] |
| Gamma | 2012 | University of Oregon | Eugene, Oregon | Active | [8][4] |
| Delta | Unassigned | ||||
| Epsilon | 2013–20xx ? | University of Maryland, College Park | College Park, Maryland | Inactive | [4][10][11] |
| Zeta | 2018–20xx ? | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, Colorado | Inactive | |
| Eta | 2018 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, Ohio | Active | [2][12] |
References
edit- ^ a b The term "frarority" was coined by the organization to combine the words 'fraternity' and 'sorority".
- ^ a b c d Behmer, Virginia (March 2, 2018). "LGBT organization enters Greek Life". The Observer. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
- ^ a b c "LGBT Fraternity Sues Upstart Chapter For Trademark Infringement". Intellectual Property News.com. 2012-10-26. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Theta Pi Sigma - Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center". Case Western Reserve University. Archived from the original on 2018-04-11. Retrieved 2024-08-24 – via webarchive.
- ^ a b c "QConnect - Courses". Archived from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
- ^ "List of Registered Student Organizations 2012-2013". Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
- ^ a b c d Avery, Dan (2012-11-10). "Gay Fraternity Sues Rival For Trademark Infringement". Queerty. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ a b "Our Story". UO Theta Pi Sigma. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ "Thea Pi Sigma, Alpha chapter". Instagram. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ "Theta Pi Sigma, LGBT fraternity, comes to University of Maryland". WJLA. 2013-09-09. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ "Chapter Statuses | Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life". University of Maryland. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ "Home - Theta Pi Sigma | Community". Case Western Reserve University. Retrieved 2024-08-24.