<p>Hi, all. :) I've looked through the threads about sororities but I haven't come across an answer to my question yet, so here's a new thread. :p</p>
<p>I'm somewhat interested in joining a sorority, but there are a few things about me that make me question if I would fit in at any. Most importantly, I don't drink or party. I'd be fine with the other social events, but it seems that the expectation is that the girls in the houses will drink and party. How true is this? Are non-partiers able to get on just fine without being pressured to party?</p>
<p>Additionally, I'm openly bi and transgender. I don't know how sororities would typically feel about that...any insight? </p>
That could hit you. Hazing is prohibited, but no one can really stop sororities from doing it. Since hazing can definitely be sexual in nature, that might adversely affect you. Just be careful. When you say that you are transgender, do you mean that you have made physical modifications or merely identify as the other gender? Are the physical modifications, if any, visible under certain circumstances? There is a lgbt coed frat/sorority that you should definitely check out.</p>
<p>I strongly recommend you do not join a sorority. You have to be realistic about this type of decision. Greek life at UCLA, or anywhere for the most part, is different. There tends to be discrimination, intolerance, and a lack of acceptance. Hence why there is the whole pledging and bidding. It sounds racist or sexist or whatnot, but it is what it is. Each greek house aims at a certain group (primarily wanting those certain type of people to join) and that’s how it will always be.</p>
<p>You would be better off joining a LBGT organization on campus or another club. You’re only going to be offended and hurt if you get involved in Greek life.</p>
<p>WheatField, as much as I would like to support you, I must admit it’s going to be very difficult and, without a doubt, many girls will back away from you once they know you are transgender, as sad as that is. Still, I would say go for it (unless you are afraid of rejection [not only by sororities but toward your gender]). The Greek system does not allow hazing whatsoever, so you have nothing to worry… about unless you are going for the Asian houses. But don’t do that. As for drinking, there are plenty of girls in sororities that don’t do it.</p>
<p>Agreed with the above sentiments, your best bet is to join a LGBT one.
To be honest, the sorority and fraternity system is not that accepting and yes, there is hazing during pledging.</p>
<p>Sororities at UCLA do not haze. At all. Also, contrary to popular belief, there are also some fraternities that don’t haze. I’ve also NEVER heard of “sexual hazing” here at UCLA, at all.</p>
<p>I find it odd that so many people are so sure that we haze when they don’t seem to have ANY personal experience in Greek life… funny how you all act like experts on the subject.</p>
<p>WheatField, you could always rush and see if joining a sorority seems like it’d be a comfortable fit for you. There are girls in every house who don’t drink/party, and I do know a handful of openly lesbian girls in Greek life too. If you don’t mind my asking, why do you want to join a sorority instead of a fraternity if you identify as male?</p>