Leading Black LGBTQ organization condemns oldest Black fraternity’s proposed transgender ban

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black LGBTQ Americans, has condemned one of the nation’s most prominent Black fraternities over its proposed ban of transgender members. 

Delegates of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest collegiate African American fraternity, voted during a constitutional convention this month to pass a proposed bylaw to ban transgender members. The proposal would limit membership to “any male defined as a human being naturally born male, who remains and continually identifies as male,” according to exclusive reporting by GLAAD.  

But on Tuesday, David Johns, NBJC CEO and executive director, called the proposal discriminatory, adding that it infringes upon basic human rights. 

“These proposals starkly contradict the historical commitment to equality, justice, and the advancement of all Black people,” Johns said. “By seeking to exclude transgender people, these fraternities are turning their backs on the very principles of brotherhood and inclusivity that they were founded upon and are a betrayal of the legacy of activism and leadership that these organizations have upheld for over a century.”

Alpha Phi Alpha would not be the first Black fraternity to pass such a proposal. In 2017, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. decided to identify as “an exclusively male organization” and limits its membership accordingly. 

According to GLAAD, Alpha Phi Alpha’s proposal was approved down a generational split: the older, more traditional national leadership on one side, while the general body, collegiate and alumni leadership stands on the more progressive side.

Johns, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., is calling on the Greek organization to recognize the proposal as one based on white supremacy. 

“Such policies and exclusionary practices perpetuate harmful stereotypes and further marginalize individuals who already face significant barriers and discrimination in society, and send a dangerous message that it is acceptable to ostracize and discriminate against individuals based on their gender identity,” said Johns. 

“These politics and practices are tools of white supremacy and the white racial actors who elect to do their bidding. Our transgender siblings deserve the same respect, dignity, and opportunities as non-trans members of our community.”

Johns added that he hopes all other Divine Nine members will “uplift and empower our beautifully diverse community.” 

“It is imperative that our organizations lead by example, embracing diversity and standing united in the fight against any form of discrimination and hate,” said Johns. 

Alpha Phi Alpha did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.