This internalized homophobia is a struggle for many younger gay men.
I realized that I was trying to reach a sense of hyper-masculinity or aggressively male behavior that I felt I lacked for being gay. Gay people throughout time have had to make their own families, and I understand the appeal of wanting a group of friends you can call your “brothers.” But that is the same reason I am glad I did not receive a bid. Finally being accepted by a group of masculine straight men would be a dream come true to a young gay kid who never fit in. I’ll be honest, I even tried - to no avail - to rush as a sophomore. As a first-generation, gay student from the rural North, I understand the appeal of joining a fraternity. Recently, it has come to my attention that more and more openly gay men are joining fraternities.
