Charlotte, NC – Are the bonds of brotherhood strong enough to overcome homophobia within a fraternity, even when it comes to rushing openly gay or love between fraternity brothers? Those are among the questions raised in "Brotherhood: Gay Life in College Fraternities" a provocative new anthology edited by Shane L. Windmeyer.

Slated for release October 1, 2005, "Brotherhood" (ISBN 1-55583-856-1, Alyson Publications, http://www.alyson.com) explores the concepts of brotherhood, masculinity and sexuality in college fraternities through a series of frank and emotionally charged essays. The book follows up Windmeyer's groundbreaking 1998 anthology "Out on Fraternity Row: Personal Accounts of Being Gay in a College Fraternity" by delving deeper into the closet of fraternity life, asking questions rarely discussed openly.

Several of the first-person accounts of "Brotherhood" illustrate the remarkable progress fraternities have made toward acceptance over the last decade, while others reflect the necessity for a more inclusive, valued meaning of brotherhood. Rather than shying away from taboo topics, the book includes tales of homophobic hazing, suicide, sexual experimentation, alcohol abuse and religious intolerance. The issues are complex, centering on the bonds of brotherhood and how sexuality, masculinity and homophobia intertwine to shape the male experience within the college fraternity.

"Never before have we heard about the trials of rushing a fraternity openly gay or the reality of an intimate sexual relationship among brothers," explained Windmeyer. "Ten years ago that was unheard of or unspoken. In 'Brotherhood,' the writers share details about both experiences, along with the resulting triumphs or harms."

Windmeyer, one of the foremost educators on issues of sexual orientation and Greek life, came out to his own fraternity 11 years ago and received an overwhelmingly positive response. Shortly after, he founded the Lambda 10 Project (http://www.lambda10.org), the national clearinghouse for gay, lesbian and bisexual fraternity and sorority issues.

Windmeyer's personal experiences, along with his work as Lambda 10 Project coordinator and as a well-known speaker on college campuses across the nation, have given him unique insight into the concept of brotherhood. Ultimately, he says, the issues of acceptance, rejection and homophobia boil down to the strength and value placed on brotherhood within a fraternity.

"Brotherhood depends on all brothers, straight and gay, to forge a bond of respect and understanding when it comes to differences in sexuality. If a fraternity intrinsically defines brotherhood as being there for a brother--being an ally to one another regardless--then it will prevail over any dilemma, not just homophobia," Windmeyer stated. "Going into the next decade, we need to ask ourselves how to foster that sort of brotherhood in more fraternities. 'Brotherhood' asks the questions and shares the strategies to get us there."

Take a look at the person sitting next to you. What if he were gay?  We call ourselves brothers, but what does that mean?  How strong is this so-called brotherhood if we’re so quick to turn our back on one another? 

“Find where it says God hates gay people in here [the Bible],” he demanded. Everyone sat there in shock.  Sam was the total opposite of me.  He was an officer in the Air Force, very politically active, and most definitely not gay… I was confused as to why Sam was taking a stand for gays.  What did he have to gain?

Jonathan Scaggs, 1 John 2:10

Rich and I spent many long nights that stretched into early mornings lying in bed together.  We gradually explored one another and slowly, comfortably got into sex.  I always felt trust, security, and a deep, unquestioning bond with him. Falling in love with a brother seemed like the most natural thing to do.

Chris Zacharda, Hide Away

I had promised to be one of them, a brother—a promise I had already broken.  Over and over again I had promised myself to lie: I lied to the brothers about who I was. I could not tell them I was gay...  The slightest hint of my truth might shatter the brotherhood.

M. Ducoing, Sexual Monsters

I sat there stunned, gripping the bench with my hands. I was upset, heartbroken, utterly destroyed by what Peter had said. I began to beg, pleading with him to change his mind and just give me a chance.  Peter looked down without knowing what to say other than what he considered the final verdict: “No gays in TKE.”

Clay Cunningham, The Pledge Jersey

Exposure is the best cure for ignorance… every fraternity should have at least one gay brother.

These people do not detract from your fraternity or the bonds of brotherhood.  On the contrary,

fraternity diversity can enhance brotherhood by adding a whole new dimension...

Benjamin M. Swartz, My Gay Pledge Son

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Shane L. Windmeyer joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity in the Spring of 1992 while attending Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. He recalls "coming out" to his brothers as one of his most rewarding undergraduate experiences and the inspiration for his books and LGBT educational efforts on college campuses.

One of the foremost educators today on issues of sexual orientation and Greek life, Windmeyer releases his fourth book, Brotherhood: Gay Life in College Fraternities October 1, 2005.  The book follows up his 1998 groundbreaking, gay best-selling anthology Out on Fraternity Row: Personal Accounts of Being Gay in a College Fraternity and his companion book released in 2001 titled Secret Sisters: Stories of Being Lesbian & Bisexual in a College Sorority.

Windmeyer founded and serves as coordinator of the Lambda 10 Project -- National Clearinghouse for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Fraternity & Sorority Issues to help support gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender members of the college fraternity and to educate on sexual orientation issues and gender identity/expression within the college Greek system. 

Windmeyer has been a guest speaker on over 500+ college campuses since the release of his first book in 1998 and has presented at numerous educational conferences dealing with Greek life and, or gay, lesbian, bisexual issues on local, regional and inter/national levels. Windmeyer has been featured on the PBS Special Fall Season Premiere episode of IN THE LIFE TV and his work has been the focus of national attention from the New York Times, TIME Magazine and Rolling Stone. His educational efforts also have been noted by national press such as The Advocate National Gay NewsMagazine, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Indianapolis Star, Salon Magazine, HERO Magazine, U. Magazine and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Windmeyer graduated from Emporia State University with a bachelors degree in Communication and received his master degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Indiana University. Windmeyer lives in Charlotte, N.C. and also serves as the founder/coordinator for STOPHATE.org and CampusPride.Net.

Windmeyer is currently working on his fifth book due out in 2006 titled The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students.  In 2002, Windmeyer also released a compilation book titled Inspiration for LGBT Students and Their Allies for National Coming Out Day.