// ROCKA.CANDY // | THE ANTHONY MACKIE OF BLOGS

To the men who are members of underground sororities:

Wow, what attention has been brought to you in the past few days! No matter where we turned, we saw pictures of one of your events. In our email, on message boards, and on facebook, we saw pictures of what appeared to be a probate show. Several comments we read about these pictures were complimentary – focusing mainly on your outfits and masks, as well as some of your individual physical features.

Unfortunately, the majority of the comments we read were negative. The homophobia that was so virulent in these responses was not your fault. We will not condone any responses that threatened your safety or right to express yourselves the way you see fit. Those comments against you were wrong and we hope that those people one day see the error of their hatred.

You know that the world in which we live is not forgiving to gay men. You know that it is even less forgiving for gay men who embrace a more feminine aesthetic. In 2006, our hero Kevin Aviance was nearly beaten to death. Transgender people all across this country are being brutally murdered. And we aren’t that far away from the death of Matthew Shepard. Yes, it is dangerous out here for all gay people, especially those who are not closeted or on the so-called “DL.”

That is why along with the right to express yourselves freely also comes a very important responsibility. Gentlemen, your actions go beyond expressing yourselves. You are expressing an affinity for and connection to an organization that does not feel that same connection to you. It is unfair of you to express yourselves in this way when the vast majority of members of this organization do not identify with you.

When you dress in pink and green, assume the “ivy stance” and mirrors, have probate shows, line up according to height and number yourselves…when you assemble yourselves into an organization that, at best, idolizes the organization that you admire so highly, it actually does the exact opposite of what you intend. It forces a relationship that was not meant to be. It is unfair to the women that you idolize.

By now, many of you are reading this and are pointing to your history as a justification for your existence. We will not be the one to tell you that your history is not real. However, we do implore you – share the text that confirms the existence of “Wade Lyle” and then we can continue this discourse on a scholarly level.

Until then, we ask you, men to men – stop what you are doing. In addition to the strife you are causing the women you admire, you are making it hard for gay men who are fighting in other arenas on your behalf. The closeted gay men who were inching toward the outness that you celebrate are now inching in the other direction because of the homophobia that you are inciting. The out gay men who are striving toward equality can’t defend you when your lack of decorum is so blatant.

What can we now? We humbly and respectfully ask you to stop. It is harming gay black men. It is harming the sorority you are emulating. It is harming men in gay fraternities with their own unique identity. It is harming gay members of traditional fraternities and sororities. In fact, your actions are only benefiting yourselves – which is antithetical to the values of the sorority you are attempting to emulate.

You have the power to end underground sororities. If it is fraternalism that you seek, there are several fraternities for gay men of color. In fact, there are fraternities for lesbian women – why can’t there be a sorority for gay men? I want you to be inspired to make that change. Eliminate the traditions of another organization from your program. Be yourselves. Be strong. Be unique.

If you do not stop these behaviors, we cannot continue to include you in the discourse on equality. It is unfair to have to defend your right to express yourselves when you take it too far. In addition, if you do not end these harmful traditions, we will not support your candidacy in traditional fraternities through sponsorship, letters of reference, or an affirmative vote. Finally, we will endeavor to report your unauthorized use and reproduction of registered trademarks to the appropriate officials. Your use of official sorority symbols is perhaps the most brazen of your disrespectful actions.

We will continue to pray for your continued safety in the areas in which you operate. Most importantly, we will continue to hope that you change your ways before a homophobe decides to take the decision away from you.

Peace and blessings,
Concerned gay men of color.

*If you know an underground sorority member, please send this to them.*

Wow, I’m glad that you actually had something to say about why this is wrong as well as your first commentor, but I really wish that this wasn’t even posted because all it is doing is giving these “guys” more publicity. No it’s not sanctioned by nationals, and all of our orgs can stop the using of our symbols and name but there’s nothing you can do (except take it to a street level) about someone dressing in your colors and claiming to be members in pictures. We have had websites removed that used our name and likeness, but otherwise it’s the same theory as a perp. Also, I wouldn’t associate A Phi A’s name w/ this mess either because that’s just not fair, in that case why couldn’t these men be Kappa Alpha Psi members gone wrong or Omega’s or Sigmas. It’s really ridiculous any way you look at it.

I agree with “A Concerned Woman of AKA” that as long as we talk about this the more attention these guys will get. I think the Lovely Ladies of AKA from Texas Southern should check the guys and get them right because they are making that chapter look really bad.

Fraternities and sororities are nothing more than glorified cliques that took the time to write down their history. Let’s be honest, the only reason you people object to this is because these are gay men. Y’all a bunch of homophobes, plain and simple, and you need to be called on your shit. You take all that wearing of colors and marching around campus too damn seriously. The rest of us think that stuff is pretty silly. The world will not come to an end because these guys have donned your colors.

I don’t understand. If they wanted to be part of an fraternal organization. Just join a fraternity. Since they want to represent their homosexuality, there are also collegiate organizations for homosexual men and women.

If they wanted a frat for gay black men, they have orgs for that too.

They did this to get attention, their was no “homage” to aka. They misinterpreted the definition of an auxilary and twisted it to justify their interests.

They should stop riding coattails, and either go join a gay black fraternity or gay fraternity. Or start something else.

Do they even do community service? As gay men do they have outreach programs targeted towards LGBT students. Clearly not.

It’s just hype for them, just as a drag queen gets dolled up for shows. Don’t put any stock in it people. AKA will more than likely send a cease and desist letter, which will be reinforced by the university, undergraduate and graduate chapters in that area, and other greeks rallying to support AKA.

It was a a good laugh.

As a gay man this is pretty jacked up. There are better was to gain acceptance and make a statement. It’s hard enough for gay men, especially black gay men to gain acceptance from their friends, family, and society. The smart thing to do would have been to form their own fraternity for gay men. At least this way people would have more respect for them. Moreover they should have done some research to see what made these sororties so prominent today. Keep in mind black people were unable to gain acceptance into the predominant white fratenities/sororites. So what did they do? They satarted their own. Take note my fellow gay men. You want make a difference do it the right way.

I’m sorry, but exactly where in the original postings did the poster say that all of these men were gay? It seems to me that a lot of people are jumping to conclusions because of outward appearances. Funny, but I thought that sterotyping based on appearance was one of core behaviors that the American Civil rights movement fought against. These guys may or may not be gay, but there still remains a lot of judging based on outward appearances. Have the oppressed become the oppressors?

wow.. i have to admit that this shocked me at first. Im no expert on frats and sororities, however, I do know that frats are intended for males, and sororities for female. I have plenty of friends from my university that are gay males and still pledged Alpha Phi Alpha, and even as a Kappas. Even though their sexual orientation was homosexual, they are still male and respected the tradition of males joing frats and females joing sororities. I don’t see why these gay males would want to be in a sorority, unless they consider themselves to be female! You can be feminin and still MALE! I don’t think their actions to form a Male AKA group was meant to mock or make-fun of the sisterhood of the AKA sorority, however, I can see how it is seemed as disrespectful or wrong.

I Think these individuals need either join the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, or start their own. Heck.. if they want to be the first male sorority, fine, but get another name!…

All Pan-Hell sororities were founded on the fundamental principle of SISTERHOOD. How can you all, as men, pledge an organization based on this principle when you WILL NEVER FULLY understand what it means to be a woman or a sister. If you want to be apart of something special with a group of like minded individuals, it is highly advised that you CREATE your own organization as opposed to “biting” on the traditions of another. No matter how much you prance around campus “skee weeing” and throwing up your pinky, please know that you are NOT wearing the letters AKA with the approval of other members,and let alone your founders. But let’s be real, WHO APPROVED THIS NON-SENSE?????????? Also, please do not make this a gay issue. There are plenty of gay men who are adamantly opposed this entire concept.

Why isn’t anyone talking about the real subject at hand? These are the Black “men” that hold our future? Why isn’t anyone talking about the fact that our Black men are becomming extinct more and more each day? Dead, in jail, etc.Why don’t our Black men know what to do with themselves? Why aren’t we asking them, who took your manhood away from you? Why aren’t we letting them know that they don’t have to be afraid to be that strong Black man, leader, father? I really don’t think fraternities/ sororities are the real issue. It’s our Black men. They are supposed to be Kings. Am I the only one who can see this?

Isn’t TSU Tennessee State not Texas Southern? This site is fire.

I cannot believe this. First of all these men or whatever they are don’t realize they are making a mockery out of a 99 year old organization. Alpha Kappa Alpha is way more than the stereotypes outsiders think they portray. That’s OK because they GAY asses are going to be dealt with.

Last time I checked we lived in a free society. I think the regular frats and soros are a waste of time. We as black people have so many more things to concern ourselves about than this nonsense. Where are the Soros and are they getting the word out to their sisters about how HIV/AIDS is destroying their sisters and the frats are they out educating black men about prostate and colon cancer. Black people take off the blinders and get involved in something that is worthwhile than worrying about if someone is disgracing your group. We need to support positive issues no matter what form they come in. I say grow up and get involved in something worthwhile and stop the hate.

I had something so profound to say. However, I feel the need to speak to your sensibilities. You are a bunch of GROWN UGLY MEN who are trying to be something that YOU CAN NEVER BE!!! There are other gay/transgendered/bi-sexual organizations for you to join. AKA isn’t just about the image that you present to society, it’s what you can do to better society. PLUS YOU WILL NEVER BE SANCTIONED as an official chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Shame on you for attempting to ruin our image. You should be ashamed for disrespecting our culture. I HATE WHEN GAY MEN MAKE FOOLS OF THEMSELVES. THEN WHEN THEY RECEIVE A BACKLASH FROM SOCIETY, WE ARE SUPPOSEDLY HOMOPHOBIC. STOP HIDING BEHIND THE WORD, KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT BEING HOMOPHOBIC, AND REALIZE HOW WRONG YOU ARE!!! YOU WILL NEVER BE CALLED SOROR.

I would like to offer the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated a question for the year 2008-Are you Sisterly? instead of Are you Financial?

As I have gone about my life-post Zeta Mu (I choose to call that time A.ZM), I have encountered some women who wear the letters and speak the language of AKA. They are quite beautiful, charming, eloquent, and articulate. They have asked about my financial status. This has taken place in Dallas, Texas and Killeen, Texas.

The experience has been quite intriguing for I have simply sought to relate with these women in a sisterly and/or professional manner. Pardon me, as I thought, I was a member of a sisterhood who has the responsiblity to be of service to mankind since 1908 (reference: Alpha Kappa Alpha Through the Years)

What’s money got to do with sisterhood, women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.? Love for one another, not money has everything to do with sisterhood. Respect for one another, not money has everything to do with sisterhood.

In my experience with my awesome Sorority since pledging at UT-Arlington in the Fall of 1990, I have found the many women in our powerful organization are not sisterly at all. You know exactly to whom I speak about, both Xi Theta Omega, Zeta Mu, and Devastating Zeta Chi.

When I pledged, sisterhood and brotherhood among African Americans was a part of my value system (my DNA structure, if you will). I became inactive, by choice, shortly after pledging. I remained financially inactive, by choice! No, sisters. I still have not payed my COIP financial obligation since it was dumped on us in the early 90’s. I have yet to pay a financial due since I left UTA. For all my sorors who want to know if I am financial…I expres to you a skee-wee sounding NO! My choice has a reason. Read reeeaaal closely AKA women in Dallas and Killeen that have had inquiries about my financial status.

At the very moment I experience sisterhood as I have experienced it with the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Inc., I will pay my COIP, join a chapter, and participate fully in AKA. Until then, I will continue to be of service to mankind as A Shade of Green.

Skee-Wee, my brothers in the sisterhood at Texas Southern University, 3rd Ward, Houston, Texas. You are beautiful, handsome, strong, highly intellingent, talented, gifted, and courageous young men!

I applaud you for your bold actiond! You have support in this Soror! As a songe once said, I got your back, front, side, and middle!

Be encouraged. Most importantly, represent our founders well by being a credit to your race and gender. You will honor the founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and be a credit to your race and gender by being Men of Substance; Men of Good Character; Men with High Moral and Ethical Standards; Men of Integrity; Men of Power and Influence-such as the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Malcom X; Marcus Garvey; Nelson Mandela; Barak Obama; Collin Powell; BPP; and Stanley Williams.

I envision you being Men of Pride, able to put petty things aside…(I will let you read my shirt and replace every word that has women with men). At any rate, as degree-seeking men, it is my hope that you will stay focused on your studies so that you graduate on time and make valuable contributions in your respective fields of study.

Do that damn thang!
Shake them haters off!
Your female Soror that bleeds pink and green is down with the males in AKA thing!

dessastowers@hotmail.com
Queen Bow Down, a.k.a Emerald
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

A Shade of Green
Zeta Mu, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
Fall 1990

I just wish that men would stand up and be men. You can be a gay male and not play yourself in this fashion. If the AKA’s of Southern Texas accept this type of behavior then it’s a very sad day in the greek society. I’m a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity INC. and yes we have gay members in our fratenity and they are still men that represent the fraternity in a manly way. The GTLB community should be outraged at this type of behavior. I’m not mad becasue these brothers are Gay they are just wrongly mis-guided. The last time I checked you can be a gay man and not try to be something you are not. These men will never be AKA’s not matter how hard they try, They may be gay but inside you are a man please act like one because you look like one. It ’s one thing to be gay but to disrespt our greek heritage is another. If the AKA’s of this chapter think this is cute it’s not, Check youself young brother be manly stand up please be manly,

Hello all I am a little upset with the guys cause I am a true sweetheart to the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.I pledged under Gamma Mu Chapter Alabama A&M University and a proud sweetheart I am. I am just taken back that they are doing the Ivy stance from AKA and wearing pink and green in which the colors are pink and black and our stance is original because it is a serious matter when we step into any room.Do you know the true history of being a TRUE MIIAKA? If you want to become a true sweetheart help the ladies sell tickets for different events or talk to women about joining the sorority…Don’t try to emulate,duplicate,or imitate the lovely ladies of “08″. Thats not what a real MIIAKA stands for?If you wish to email me please do so I would kindly like to talk to you…My email address is printed..Have a blessed day.
MIIAKA,
Daviyon

Wow… I have to chuckle here. The things we choose to fight over. What a way to prove a point. I just want to know one thing. What is wrong with forming a “sanctioned” organization for gay men of color that is nationally recognized? I would definitely be in support of this type organization and encourage it wholeheartedly.

What I think is being missed here, is that this “act” of forming a male division had to be encouraged somewhere… and I encourage the sorority of AKA to look within.. if they haven’t already.

Gentlemen you can move forward with the already well organized agenda and form a “fraternity” which is alternative and dare I say call it “MU-IOTA-ALPHA-KAPA-ALPHA”.

Again, the things we choose to argue over. This is minimal. Just an opinion. And we know everyone has one. STAY BLESSED!

Babs
Spring 01
ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC
Kappa Chapter
Delta Zeta Chapter

I have a question, has anyone ever talked a MIAKA? Have you ever asked them what they went threw or why they do this. Need I remind you when each and everyone of your orgs was starting out their were people looking at you saying the same shit you all are saying now. Am I saying this is right or wroung no. That is not my call. I am a member of a fraternity that is not founded by African Americans but I am myself. I understand your points, trust me I do but the thing is I do not belive that any and I do mean any MIAKA is looking for a dame thing from The National Board of Alpha Kappa Alpha. They want to be who they are, so if they are not in your back yard (which you would be suprised how many their are) why would you not just look at your own org and try to figure out ways to uplift African Americans (gays also) insted of putting them down for doing what they feel is right?

This is sickening. I’m greek (Kappa), and I have no problem thinking and doing for myself as a PERSON (outside the frat). As open-minded as I try to be, this ish just sickens me. Like many folk, I have family and friends who are legitimate members of the AKA Sorority. I feel for them when they expressed amazement and embarassment about this matter. Enough is enough. At my chapter (Damn that, in my chapter’s Province) nuhz — grown men, w/careers and families — would travel from far and wide to WHIP OUR ASSES for allowing females to “pledge,” wear Kappa pins, take photos throwing the “Yo,” and all that other nonsense.

Point blank: If you can’t follow a Pan-Hel organization’s by-laws re: auxiliary organizations, START YOUR OWN ORGANIZATION. Leave the other traditional Black Pan-Hel organizations COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR ISH…

I am trying my best to resist “the easy way out (homophobia),” but this stuff scares the ish outta me.

What does Texas Southern’s AKA Chapter, and, AKA Nationals have to say about all of this?

i’m a proud member of delta sigma theta sorrority and think this has gone to far!!!! if this were to happen to our sorrority i would be embrassed. i’m a liberal and i’ve always believed in to each is own but, really guys this is too much!!! why not create your owm frat with your own colors,own pins,own by-laws etc. really this kinda breaks my heart, this really sucks, because who’s sorrority is next the zeta or maybe even the deltas, get create your legacy don’t ride on the AKA’s legacy or any frat or sorrority from the DIVINE NINE, create your own!!!!!

Let me tell all of you something that have something to say about the Ivy Men of Miaka. The Miaka’s were founded back in the 1930’s on the campus of Perry View University and were the original boy friends of the Alpha Kappa Alpha women founded 1908. I am a Miaka Beta Zi Chapter and yeah it was disrespectful for those men to have done what they did. Miaka’s are not men trying to be AKA’s. We are an auxiliary organization of the Beautiful, Sophisticated AKA women the first and finest of all Black Sorority’s. Our colors are black and green not pink and green. So yes I do agree with a lot of you, regarding disrespect of the AKA’s. But all Miaka’s are not like that, and if anyone is going to respond about something dealing with the Divine nine (even though Miaka is not part of the divine nine AKA is) then know the history and the information. Miaka’s have been out for years. Just like the Delta Gents which were the boyfriends of the Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta. Know history before commenting on it. Thanks in Advance Tigger

Plain and simple, this shit is disgusting!!! You can suger coat it and call it what you want, it’s just nasty!

its bad and we need to look at our ownselves sorors, because these guys know our beloved rituals, charges etc. I dont want to keep going on. Sisters, i know the number 1 thing during ur process that was taught was discretion. We so need to get it together.

Who Cares…

[ROCKA] I care, which is why it’s on my site… [/ROCKA]

Hello!
Nice site Bye

I’m a little late commenting but I’ll go ahead anyway. I’m a PROUD member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. My fellow members of NPHC, we first need to realize that we have to do a better job of sticking together. We are so busy hating on each other that we can’t pay attention to the real threats! MIAKA’s are a threat to everyone in NPHC. When organizations like these arise…the NPHC governing body should be ready to act! Our NPHC organizations will eventually lose their identities because of other councils stepping, wearing line numbers, calling, strolling and throwing up hand signs. NPHC (nationally and locally) need to put a stop to this mockery. You have hispanic and caucasian groups doing everything our council does and thinking its okay! It burns me up that I spent time in a “process” learning the history of all these things that are unique to our council and they just do it because it looks good.I put blood, sweat and tears into getting my letters. I want to see the NPHC council united and not fighting at the local college party! My last thing is…I need us to realize that this is direct result of NPHC letting auxillary groups go tooooo far…don’t give them line numbers, throw up signs, call, stroll, carry canes…and whatever else. Control your auxillary groups. DO NOT LET THEM DISRESPECT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN NPHC. Let’s get it together.