Gay Fraternity Marks National Coming Out Day

UC Berkeley’s only gay fraternity, and one of the few in the nation, hosted an Eliminate Hate Campaign yesterday in celebration of National Coming Out Day.

The campus chapter of Sigma Epsilon Omega aimed to encourage awareness and acceptance with a demonstration yesterday at Sather Gate as they stood with signs and T-shirts advertising their organization.

Travis Garcia, founder and president of Sigma Epsilon Omega, described National Coming Out Day as a “day for gays and lesbians to come out and affirm their sexuality.”

In its second semester, Sigma Epsilon Omega has 20 active members and nine pledges.

The fraternity is hoping to register with the Interfraternity Council at a meeting next Wedneday, when current fraternity presidents will listen to a brief presentation and cast a vote.

To join the IFC, fraternities need to have a $1 million liability insurance policy. According to Garcia, Sigma Epsilon Omega has raised approximately $9,000 through member fees and fundraisers, enough to be able to purchase the insurance coverage.

“I don’t feel like there’s any opposition to us joining,” Garcia said.

“We just want to be like every other fraternity and live up to the expectations and goals of the IFC.”

As UC Berkeley’s only gay fraternity, Sigma Epsilon Omega is expected to contribute to campus diversity, said Alex Mastrodonato, spokesperson for the IFC.

“Each group will add something to a larger group,” he said. “Each fraternity brings a certain diversity to the campus.”

Although Sigma Epsilon Omega is one of nearly 20 other LGBT organizations on UC Berkeley’s campus, the fraternity differs in its focus on uniting like-minded gay men together, Garcia said.

The fraternity advertises its primary intention on its Web site as bringing together individuals with common interests and common problems. There will also be a strong focus on networking opportunities for fraternity members in professional fields.

Sophomore pledge Samuel Leiboff said the fraternity differs from other LGBT groups in that “it really offers brotherhood, the type that traditional fraternities offer.”

“I was always scared before I met these guys and they made me realize I don’t have to be hated,” Leiboff said.

At yesterday’s event, sponsored by the UC Berkeley’s Queer Resource Center and the Queer Alliance, the fraternity also advertised its Out and Proud ’07 party, which took place last night at a gay club in San Francisco.

Tickets for the party sold out in the first two days, Garcia said, and the fraternity is working on planning an off-campus dance for its next event.

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