(U-WIRE) NEW YORK – For Matt Maggiacomo, the age-old conception of fraternities as bastions of straight male exclusivity is totally out. Maggiacomo, a sophomore, is making plans to start a chapter of a national gay fraternity at New York University.

Maggiacomo wants to start a colony of Delta Lambda Phi, a group that fully espouses the greek traditions of mainstream fraternities, but that is oriented to gay, bisexual and “progressive” straight men.

Maggiacomo said he envisions the fraternity not only as a brotherhood, but also as an institution fighting for equality and gaining recognition for gay people.

“To establish this fraternity, we’re breaking down barriers and breaking down those stereotypes that many people may have of us,” he said. “We want to be seen with community service projects, with great parties, bringing a lot to the university.”

Since it began in Washington, D.C., in 1986, the group, which has both community- and school-based chapters, has spread to almost two dozen universities.

About a year ago, Maggiacomo had the idea for an NYU colony. Now, after talks with NYU administration and the national organization, he feels confident that NYU’s colony can open by fall 2005.

Maggiacomo is now looking for interested students so the colony can get off the ground when he returns from studying abroad this spring.

To become a fully recognized chapter, a fraternity must go through a three-semester trial phase, during which it is known as a colony. The first members, consisting of eight to 15 men, will receive instruction from brothers from the original chapter in Washington, D.C., and must organize their plan for pledges and housing. If the colony completes the trial period and becomes a chapter, it becomes eligible for NYU housing.

One of the fraternity’s functions will be to act as a support system for young men dealing with their sexuality, Maggiacomo said.

“You’ve got other guys that have been through it, and you can talk about it,” he said. “I’ve talked to some seniors who’ve said ‘I wish we’d had it when I was (younger).'”

– James Daniel

A common criticism of Delta Lambda Phi is that the fraternity provides an easy opportunity for gay men to meet and pursue sexual relationships. But Maggiacomo adamantly refuted this perception.

“I couldn’t be 100 percent more against that,” he said. “It’s not a dating game.”

Bob Butler, director of student activities, whose office oversees NYU fraternities and sororities, said the group would be a welcome addition to NYU’s greek life.

“Recognizing a gay fraternity at NYU would be consistent with our tradition of celebrating and embracing diversity on our campus,” he wrote in an e-mail.

Members of campus fraternities said they saw no problem with the addition of a gay fraternity to NYU’s greek system.

“I wouldn’t mind,” said senior Andy Minkstein, a brother of Delta Phi. “If there was interest in a thing like that, they could do the same charitable things that we do, then why not?”

Ben Miron, a sophomore in Sigma Alpha Mu, said he supports the idea of fraternities based on non-traditional criteria.

“I think fraternities are a good thing, and if someone wants to start a frat based on something else, that’s fine,” he said.

NYU sociology professor Judith Stacey, who researches queer theory, said she wasn’t sure a gay fraternity could increase acceptance of gay students.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” she said. “Whenever you’re in a group that’s stigmatized, you want solidarity to reverse those effects. But in the end you end up reinforcing that category.”

But Maggiacomo said in his vision of the fraternity, the group will be avoiding stereotypes.

“The gay social scene in New York City is not a safe haven. There’s a lot of vice,” he said. “I want to establish this social group that’s not defined by that … I want it to be positive.”