LGBTQ Memphis Greek Life

For many years, Greek life has been a staple in American college life. From academic Greek organizations, to businesses, bands, etc., on almost every campus in America there is a Greek organization that runs the yard. While no one can forget the “Divine Nine” organizations that paved the way, for some there is still something missing. Many in the LGBTQIA community wanted to be a part of a Greek family but were unable to. Well, now there are organizations that we are accepted into wholeheartedly. LGBTQIA Greeks have been stomping and paving the walkway so that we can be seen and heard. Whether we are on a college campus or not, we are becoming a force to be reckoned with, especially here in the Mid-South.

First up is Rho Beta Rho and Theta Omega Rho. Rho Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc. and their sister organization Theta Omega Rho Sorority, Inc. are two of the many Greek orgs right here in Memphis, TN that are catered to the community and allow us to live in our truth. I interviewed both founders, Jaxton Parnell (of Rho Beta Rho) and Vanessa Parnell (of Theta Omega Rho), to see what brought this family to life.


Tell me about your organization and how it came to be?

Jaxton (J): Rho Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc. is for masculine women and transgender men. The vision of Rho Beta Rho came after being in a Greek organization and not feeling comfortable. I wanted to create a safe place where masculine women can be themselves and have a chance to be Greek.

Vanessa (V): Theta Omega Rho Sorority, Inc. was established so that women can have a safe space to come together, learn from each other’s creativity and passion for our LGBTQ + community. We are different from other sororities because we not only embrace you as you are, but we instill a sense of belonging in a sisterhood and professional life as well. Each woman has something to offer no matter the background. Everyone can start over and succeed in becoming a better independent and successful woman. Be honest with yourself and your shortcomings, likes and dislikes, and pull together to make this community great.

Is the organization a community-based organization? And if so, what community services does the organization provide?

J: Yes, we feed the homeless and volunteer with schools and community events. We try to be hands on with positive things within the community.

V: We are community based. We have fed the homeless, helped people create resumes to seek employment, gave a listening ear to those that may not have someone to listen, and plan to do greater work in the near future.

Are you located outside of Memphis and if so, what are your other locations?

J: Yes, we are located in Ohio, New York, and Arkansas.

V: As of right now, we are established in Memphis, TN and Cleveland, OH and will be branching out to other states as the future progresses.

If someone was interested in your organization, what ways can they contact the organization?

J: on FB @PBP/RhoBetaRho or Rhobetarhodlw@gmail.com

V: We can be reached at thetaomegarhosororityinc@gmail.com or FB @Theta Omega Rho Sorority, Inc.

Members of Rho Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc. Photo courtesy Rho Beta Rho.
Members of Theta Omega Rho Sorority, Inc. Photo courtesy of Theta Omega Rho.

Now, let me introduce the next organization that is also right here in the Mid-South, Eta Theta Psi Sorority, Inc. I interviewed one of their lovely Jags, as they call themselves, Stephanie Dawson to tell me more about their organization and what brought them to the light.

Tell me about your organization and how it came to be?

Eta Theta Psi Sorority, Inc. was founded on September 25, 2015 by our Visionary Brittany Anderson. Later, on August 18, 2017, she made our organization stronger by adding Mita Scarelli as our co-founder. We are a sorority filled with conscious lesbian women of color, who thrive on giving back to the community.

Is the organization a community-based organization? And if so, what community services does the organization provide?

We enjoy contributing to the success of our community by creating events that will bring awareness to mental health, brain tumor awareness, Earth Day, and by truly being the change that we want to see. One of our events that I am immensely proud of was our Jackson, MS water drive. We were able to send a pallet of water to one of the local churches, as well as a few filters. Another major service we do every year is “Purses of Hope,” where we fill purses with items that will provide a sense of comfort for women that are forced into homelessness. We also create events that assist the elderly and events that make
sure that children have supplies and backpacks for school. These backpacks include a positive affirmation to remind them of their greatness.

Are you located outside of Memphis and if so, what are your other locations?

Yes, we are located in seven states: the Alpha colony is located in Texas, Beta Colony is located in North Carolina, Delta Chapter in Illinois, Zeta Colony in Missouri, Eta Colony in Indiana, Mu Colony is in Tennessee, and Lambda Colony is in Michigan.

If someone were interested in your organization, what ways can they contact you?

They can visit our website and click the membership link at etathetapsi.org.

Stephanie Dawson of Eta Theta Psi Sorority, Inc. Photo courtesy of Eta Theta Psi.

The Mid-South LGBTQIA community is going places and will continue to grow. Look into these organizations if you are interested. I will be writing more articles showcasing many more LGBTQIA Greek Organizations. Peace and Blessings to all!