Narratives of queer men of color in culturally-based fraternities making meaning of masculinities

Abstract

This constructivist grounded theory study examined how Queer Men of Color in culturally-based fraternities made meaning of their masculinities. Through two intensive interviews and a reflection journal activity, nine participants shared their constructions of masculinities before joining a culturally-based organization and how their thinking changed after affiliating with a fraternity. Specifically, Queer Men of Color first spoke to pre-collegiate experiences that largely shaped their views of masculinities. Next, participants discussed how culturally-based fraternities both reinforced hegemonic masculinity, as well as opened up the possibilities to construct a more productive view of masculinities. Implications are then offered for chapter advisors, fraternity and sorority life, and national organizations.

Keywords:

• Queer
• men of color
• masculinities
• fraternities
• meaning making

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 See National APIDA Panhellenic Association (n.d.) for more information regarding the term Desi American.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Antonio Duran

Antonio Duran (he/him), Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Administration of Higher Education program at Auburn University. His research explores how historical and contemporary legacies of oppression influence college student development, experiences, and success.

Crystal E. Garcia

Crystal E. Garcia (she/her), Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research critically examines the mechanisms by which racially minoritized college students experience campus environments.