Gamma Rho Lambda
Gamma Rho Lambda (ΓΡΛ) is a social, college-based sorority for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and allied students.[1] Gamma Rho Lambda National Sorority is dedicated to providing a social support system for young college students. Gamma Rho Lambda has been referred to as the first national multicultural lesbian sorority; however they are inclusive of cisgender women, trans women, trans men, and gender variant people of all sexualities and racial identities. As of 2019, GRL consists of 17 active chapters and 3 colonies across 12 states with an active membership (including Alum & Collegians) of over 400.[2]
| Gamma Rho Lambda | |
|---|---|
| ΓΡΛ | |
 | |
| Founded | November 20, 2003 Arizona State University, (Tempe, Arizona) |
| Type | Social |
| Scope | National |
| Mission statement | Gamma Rho Lambda is an all-inclusive social sorority exemplifying the qualities of tolerance, diversity, unity, and trust, which provides a network of assistance in the areas of scholastic guidance, emotional support, and community service while ultimately developing the lifelong family bonds. |
| Motto | Truth in tolerance, knowledge through diversity, bonds of unity, strength in trust |
| Colors | Purple and Black |
| Flower | Sunflower |
| Mascot | Wolf |
| Chapters | 18 active chapters 7 inactive chapters 3 colonies |
| Members | Approx. 400 active collegiate |
| Headquarters | PO Box 352367 Los Angeles, California USA |
| Website | www |
History
2003–2005
Gamma Rho Lambda, Alpha chapter, was founded in the Fall of 2003 by 12 original members at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.[3] The sorority was initially created because the founding president and members wanted an organization similar to the GBTQ-focused fraternity on campus, Sigma Phi Beta.[4]
2005–2010
In 2005, Gamma Rho Lambda began the daunting task of expanding nationally, as Alpha chapter had been approached by several interested women on other campuses in the United States. Over the course of the next year, Gamma Rho Lambda worked to expand to these campuses, functioning in a national and local capacity at the same time.
In 2006, with enough alum members to support a national council, Gamma Rho Lambda National Sorority became independent of Alpha chapter. Since then, Gamma Rho Lambda National Sorority has been working not only on expansion, but also adjusting to the needs of our chapters and members and bettering the community overall through these efforts.
Alpha chapter expanded to San Diego State University and Georgia Southern University.[5]
University of Missouri became a colony of Gamma Rho Lambda.[6]
San Diego State University gained chapter status as Beta chapter.[7] Kansas State University became a colony of Gamma Rho Lambda.[8]
California State University, Northridge, University of California, Los Angeles, Purdue University and SUNY Albany became colonies of Gamma Rho Lambda.[9] University of Missouri colony disbanded from Gamma Rho Lambda to focus more on political involvement. Kansas State University gained chapter status as Delta chapter [10] and Purdue University gained chapter status as Eta chapter.[9][11]
2010–2015
Gamma Rho Lambda rapidly expanded during this time. Northern Arizona University, SUNY Albany, University of Houston, UC Berkeley, UC Riverside, Ball State, Tulane University, Iowa State, American University, and University of Iowa became colonies of Gamma Rho Lambda and later chapters (Theta, Iota, Kappa, Lambda, Mu, Nu, Xi, Omicron, Pi, Rho, respectively) [12] Additionally UL Lafayette and UT Austin were inducted as colonies.
2016–present
UL Lafayette and UT Austin were initiated as Sigma and Tau chapter, respectively. Longwood University, University of Arizona, and Missouri S&T were initiated as colonies in Spring 2016 and became chapters in early 2017. Also, Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University were inducted as colonies in the Fall of 2016 and became chapters in late 2017. Virginia Commonwealth University was inducted as a colony in 2018.
Today, Gamma Rho Lambda active membership (including Alum & Collegians) consists of over 400 active members.
Gamma Rho Lambda National Sorority is currently working to establish a Foundation.[13]
Organization
The sorority's day-to-day business activities are overseen by the National Governing Council which acts as the board of directors. It was established in 2006, when there were enough alumni members to support a National Council. Since then, Gamma Rho Lambda National Sorority has been working not only on expansion, but also adjusting to the needs of our chapters and members and bettering the community overall through these efforts. Council consists of thirteen elected alumnae who are elected every two years; This includes one President, Ten Vice Presidents and two Alumni at Large Delegates. Additionally, each VP has a committee to assist them in projects. Each chapter and colony has a mentor who assists them in any issues and provides guidance as they develop.
Name
The Lambda symbol was adopted by the New York City's Gay Activists' Alliance in the 1970s during the Stonewall Riots. Since then, the Lambda has spread as a symbol for the gay liberation movement. Because of its history, the Lambda was chosen to be a letter in the sorority's Greek name. The Gamma and Rho symbols were chosen because with the Lambda symbol, they spell GRL ("girl").[14]
Coat of arms
Visible symbols in the coat of arms include the Lioness, the Bear, the Unicorn, the Crown of Thorns, the Metal Crown, the Isle of Lesbos symbol with Shaking Hands, the Upside Down Black Triangle, the Eye of Horus, the Hand, the Sword, the Ivy Leaf Vine, the Elephant Tusk, and the Cinquefoil.
Symbols
The official colors are purple and black.
The official symbol/mascot is the wolf.
The official flower is the sunflower.
The official Motto is truth in tolerance, knowledge through diversity, bonds of unity, strength in trust
Gamma Rho Lambda has no official jewel or gemstone.
Philanthropy
Gamma Rho Lambda National Sorority is currently working to establish a Foundation.[13] The Foundation will provide support to Gamma Rho Lambda members as well as support for a philanthropy to be decided on in the future.
Chapters
| Chapter | City, State | University |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Tempe, Arizona | Arizona State University |
| Beta (INACTIVE) | San Diego, California | San Diego State University |
| Gamma (INACTIVE) | Statesboro, Georgia | Georgia Southern University |
| Delta (INACTIVE) | Manhattan, Kansas | Kansas State University |
| Epsilon | Northridge, California | California State University, Northridge |
| Zeta | Los Angeles, California | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Eta | West Lafayette, Indiana | Purdue University |
| Theta | Flagstaff, Arizona | Northern Arizona University |
| Iota (INACTIVE) | Albany, New York | University at Albany, SUNY |
| Kappa | Houston, Texas | University of Houston |
| Lambda | Berkeley, California | University of California, Berkeley |
| Mu (INACTIVE) | Riverside, California | University of California, Riverside |
| Nu | Muncie, Indiana | Ball State University |
| Xi | New Orleans, Louisiana | Tulane University |
| Omicron | Ames, Iowa | Iowa State University |
| Pi (INACTIVE) | Washington D.C. | American University |
| Rho | Iowa City, Iowa | University of Iowa |
| Sigma | Lafayette, Louisiana | University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
| Tau | Austin, Texas | University of Texas at Austin |
| Upsilon (INACTIVE) | Rolla, Missouri | Missouri University of Science and Technology |
| Phi | Tucson, Arizona | University of Arizona |
| Chi | Farmville, Virginia | Longwood University |
| Psi | Columbus, Ohio | Ohio State University |
| Alpha Beta | Bowling Green, Ohio | Bowling Green State University |
Provisional Chapters
| City, State | University |
|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Fairfax, VA | George Mason University |
| Reno, NV | University of Nevada, Reno |
See also
- List of LGBT fraternities and sororities
- List of social fraternities and sororities
References
- Shoyeb, Jacqueline (2004-03-09). "First Gay Sorority Recognized". The State Press. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-12-07. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- http://gammarholambda.org/?page_id=214
- Hunt, Corey (2004-03-09). "Safety a priority for rights group". Mesa Legend. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-12-07. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- Vary, Adam E. (2004-10-12). "Rushing to Come Out" (PDF). The Advocate. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2005-10-24. Retrieved 2008-03-17.
- Hauswirth, Kevin (2009-12-07). "Gay and Greek at ASU". The Advocate. Retrieved 2008-03-17.
- Graves, Seth (2007-04-23). "Heterosexism. Sexism. Racism". Missourian. Archived from the original on 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- Brown, Cindy (2008-08-20). "National All-Inclusive Sorority Founds Second chapter". Gamma Rho Lambda. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-12-07. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- Sanders, Molly (2009-03-26). "Senior starts new sorority, works to improve relations with other organizations". K-State Collegian. Archived from the original on 2009-12-07. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- Gamma Rho Lambda. "Gamma Rho Lambda Chapters & Colonies". Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- Pride, Campus (2009-11-25). "LAMBDA 10 PROJECT: National LGBT & Straight-Ally Sorority Charters Fourth Chapter in U.S. on the campus of K-State". Campus Pride Blog. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- Stroup, Megan (2009-05-07). "GRL separates from national sorority to pursue activism". The Maneater. Retrieved 2009-06-24.
- Pride, Campus (2010-01-28). "National Progressive LGBT & Straight Ally Sorority Welcomes 9th Colony at Northern Arizona University". Campus Pride Blog. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
- Gamma Rho Lambda. "Gamma Rho Lambda About". Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- Gamma Rho Lambda. "Gamma Rho Lambda Fact Sheet". Retrieved 2009-12-07.