For over 100 years, members of Black greek letter organizations have been on the forefront of social change in the Black community.

Affectionately referred to as the “Divine Nine,” all of these organizations have their own missions, visions and core values, but they all share common goals - to give back to the Black community and to uplift and educate. These organizations have sowed seeds in the Black community worldwide.

It’s tempting to argue that there isn’t a need for groups like this anymore, but when you look at the kinds of leaders that they have produced, it becomes a harder sell. Huey P. Newton, Vice President Kamala Harris, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and MC Lyte are just a few names of members of Black greek letter organizations, and the list goes on.

Being LGBTQ+, out, and a member of one of these organizations, can be a challenge. Despite sometimes feeling like an “other,” queer folks have found ways to navigate these challenges, even rising into various prominent positions in their respective organizations.