Fraternity Adopts Transgender-Inclusive Policy

19 Jun Fraternity Adopts Transgender-Inclusive Policy

During the 29th Convention of the Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, the House of Delegates, the Fraternity’s legislative body, ratified a transgender-inclusive amendment to the Constitution to define gender identity explicitly, and to allow all those who identify as male to be eligible for membership in the Fraternity.

“Lambda Phi Epsilon has prided itself on being a progressive organization, and this action, taken at the behest of the active membership, is a testament to that progressivism,” said International President William Tan. “I am proud of the membership, and their dedication to the principle that leadership among men should be open to all men.”

The House of Delegates first took up this matter at Orientation in January 2018. At that meeting, the existing non-discrimination clause of the Constitution was interpreted to mean that membership in the Fraternity is open to those who identify as male, regardless of the sex they were assigned at birth. The House asked for a Constitutional amendment to codify this interpretation into fraternal law.

The International Fraternity’s non-discrimination clause now reads: “Membership in the Fraternity shall be open to men regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status or disability. Gender identity/expression shall be defined as the gender with which an individual identifies at the time of induction, not their sex as assigned at birth. These elements shall not factor into member selection or bidding criteria.”

The referendum, which required a three-fourths majority for passage, passed with the support of 94% of the delegates. The transgender-inclusive amendment was sponsored by President William Tan and enjoyed the unanimous support of the Board of Directors.

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About Lambda Phi Epsilon
Founded in 1981 at Los Angeles, California, Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc. has grown to become the world’s largest Asian-interest fraternity. Lambda Phi Epsilon (ΛΦΕ, also known as LFE) aims to guide men on a lifelong discovery of authenticity and personal growth. To learn more, visit https://lambdaphiepsilon.com.

Lambda Phi Epsilon Contact
James Gaffney, Executive Director
Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc.
executivedirector@lambdaphiepsilon.org