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Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: My eyes have been opened! Review: Having not been affiliated with any fraternal organization during my college years, I did not hold fraternities with any high regard. Coming to terms with one's sexuality is difficult enough, but I couldn't possibly begin to comprehend doing so in a Greek environment. Therefore, "Out on Fraternity Row" was an extremely interesting read not only for being allowed to share in the personal struggles of the authors of this anthology, but to see how the brotherhood found in fraternities can have a lasting effect on these individuals lives. From the author who not only had to combat homophobia, but also his struggle with being deaf to the gentleman whose questioning sexuality was during the height of World War II - this book has a sincerity and eloquence about it. The stories range in tone from the wonderfully positive to the disturbingly negative. Whether one agrees with the Greek system and what it stands for or not, I highly recommend this book to anyone with preconceived notions of fratenities and the men within them.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR COLLEGES Review: Out on Fraternity Row was "truly" a book that creates visibility for an often closeted part of our college community. If you haven't bought the book, you need to read it for yourself! Excellent Resource for College Greeks & anyone who wants to be an ally for all college students who are gay....
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Great Book on Taboo Topic Review: This book caught my eye because I work with college students. I was excited and proud to read the stories submitted for this anthology. I hope gay and bisexual men who wish to join fraternities can see that this goal is within reach. I recommend this book to other college administrators.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Greek Advisor ponders effects of homophobia Review: What is it like to be gay and Greek? Are fraternities safe places for gay brothers? What kind of environment do fraternity houses provide homosexual members? The first-hand accounts of 30 gay men in the book OUT ON FRATERNITY ROW (Alyson Books), provide answers to those questions. Written with candor and honesty, each tale in this anthology gives a glimpse of the Greeks' most invisible minority. The individuals telling their stories are diverse in background, age, fraternity and geographic location. Each goes through phases of coming out, some quickly, some not at all. However, even with these differences, certain themes are common. Gay men become Greek for the same reasons as heterosexual men--for the brotherhood and companions fraternities provide. But once in the fraternity, many writers tell how they felt isolated and alone, unable to tell their secret. The prevailing homophobic atmosphere--conveyed through gay jokes--kept many men locked in closets. Some writers hoped fraternities would teach them not to be gay. Many of the stories told of men's excessive use of alcohol to drown gay feelings. Fraternity men, both gay and straight, would objectify women as 'cover' to prove they weren't gay. A large portion of the men who came out after college tell of distancing themselves from brothers after graduation. Many felt disconnected from the former brothers, or other brothers distanced themselves from the out member. But not everyone had a negative experience being gay and Greek. Indeed, several stories show that when a brother is up-front about his homosexuality the brotherhood remains strong. In chapters with solid camaraderie and mutual respect, coming out was not a negative experience. One wrote, 'My brothers' unconditional acceptance and support helped me move from being afraid of my brothers to being at peace with their companionship.' As I read this book I kept thinking, these are my students talking to me. They are telling me what they feel. And as I read, I kept asking, how can I make it better for them? Thankfully, OUT ON FRATERNITY ROW offers interventions and educational tools to combat homophobia. Anyone who works with fraternities needs to read this book. OUR students are talking to US, telling us what they are going through. Many are isolated, afraid of their own brothers and do dangerous things to fit in. If we leave homophobia unchallenged, what kind of environment are we providing not just for gay students, but for all?
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