Just Because I’m Not Super Masculine Doesn’t Mean I’m Not Bisexual

Fraternal organizations have often received criticism from individuals who argue that these groups perpetuate harmful gendered norms and oppress members who identify with queer communities. However, scholars and practitioners alike have paid little attention to members who identify as bisexual/pansexual (bi/pan) within these organizations. This narrative inquiry study examined the stories of eight pan/bi fraternity members, exploring how they described their performance of gender and sexual identities within these organizational contexts. Findings brought to light the following: how the heterosexist, monosexist settings influenced their varied performances; how members described the impact of their performances on experiences and relationships; and how participants viewed the complexities of performances and queered discourses of authenticity. Implications for research and practice are offered

Androgyny · Fraternity · Homosexuality · Human sexuality · Masculinity · Sociology · Theology · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology