Managing Sisterhood and Self: Investigating the Social Identities and Communication of LGBTQ+ Panhellenic Sorority Members

Abstract

Throughout history and into the present, LGBTQ+ individuals have been a part of Panhellenic sororities. Previous research has identified the presence of LGBTQ+ Panhellenic sorority members and explored some of their unique experiences in their sororities. The current study extends previous research by using a communication lens to investigate the aspects of identity that shape LGBTQ+ Panhellenic sorority members’ communication with other Panhellenic sorority members and the communication strategies they utilize to manage their multiple intersectional identities. Specifically, interview data from 17 LGBTQ+ Panhellenic sorority members across the United States were analyzed using social identity theory (Tajfel, 1974) as a guiding framework. Findings revealed that LGBTQ+ Panhellenic sorority members’ communication with other members is shaped by their individual social identities, the social identities of their sororities, and the structural forces within Panhellenic sororities. Additionally, the results indicated that LGBTQ+ Panhellenic sorority members used communication to fit in with group norms, resist group norms, manage out-group perceptions of Panhellenic sororities, and develop connections with other LGBTQ+ Panhellenic sorority members.