Kappa Theta Epsilon
ΚΘΕ
The official crest of Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority.
FoundedFebruary 24, 2009 (2009-02-24)[1]
Houston, TX
TypeProfessional
EmphasisLGBT and women's rights
ScopeNational
MottoReach New Heights.[1]
Colors  Plum Rose   Sterling Silver[1]
SymbolThe Swan[1]
FlowerThe Sterling Rose
PublicationBeacon magazine
Chapters5
Colonies3
NicknameKappa Theta, KTE
HeadquartersHouston, Texas 77057
US
WebsiteKappaThetaEpsilon.com

Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority (ΚΘΕ) is the first Greek-lettered sorority established and incorporated for LGBT professional and entrepreneurial women.[2] Membership is exclusive to lesbian women, and primarily college-educated. The sorority was founded February 24, 2009, in Houston, Texas. The organization's founding tenets are sisterhood, fidelity, accomplishment and service.[1]

History

Cultural context

The political climate of the early 21st century played a large role in the founding of Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated.[3] Negative media portrayal of lesbians and gays, and the emergence of same-sex marriage as a recurring political issue, inspired the Sorority's Founder to consider a Sorority as a medium for creating change.[4]

From the year 2000 to 2009, LGBT rights took a leading role in both politics and the justice system. Legally, the issue of marriage equality began to gain momentum, and laws criminalizing homosexuality were being overturned.[5] Kappa Theta Epsilon's founder believed that a group of young leaders could advocate for more equitable policies in both the legislative and judicial arenas.

Sorority establishment

The founding tenets of Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority are Sisterhood, Fidelity, Accomplishment and Service.

—A New Dawn[6]

The sorority was founded on the morning of February 24, 2009, in Houston, Texas. After researching existing organizations, it was decided that the group would adopt the letters Kappa Theta Epsilon (ΚΘΕ) to reflect its fundamental ideals. On February 25, the sorority's official colors and mascot were finalized.[7]

Other symbols adopted in the early stages of the sorority were the founding tenets, flower and jewel. It was agreed in September 2009 that, for the first two years, development of infrastructure would take precedence over the initiation of new members.[7]

Philanthropy and programming

STEMS Program: An Initiative by Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority

Service philosophy

Kappa Theta Epsilon states that through its philosophy of "servant leadership", members have a direct impact on the conditions of their community and world. The sorority follows a five target platform for philanthropy, designed to address problems affecting women globally, with emphasis on lesbian women of African descent.

The sorority focuses its efforts on five philanthropic target areas:

ΚΘΕ National Signature Programs[8]
Leadership Development The Academy
Educational Advancement Plum Goes Green Campaign
Holistic Health and Wellness Life 360 Wellness Symposium
Economic Empowerment Lesbians in Business Incubator
Social Impact and Policy Awareness The For Eudy Project

Every two years, KTE selects a focus area and members devote the majority of their community service efforts to projects related to it.

Chapters

Chapter Chartered/Established City State Status References
Alpha February 24, 2009 Houston Texas Active [9]
Beta February 2019 Atlanta Georgia Active [9]
Les Bons Temps colony June 2016 Lake Charles Louisiana Active [9]
SDC colony September 2018 San Diego California Active [9]
Heartland colony November 2018 Wichita Kansas Active [9]
Kappa Epsilon April 2022 National United States Active [9]
Gamma September 2022 Oakland California Active [9]
Flutters January 2023 Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas Active [9]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority Fact Sheet" (PDF). Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated. 2011. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  2. ↑ "Sorority Overview". Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated. 2011. Retrieved 2013-01-17.
  3. ↑ Richardson, Diane; Monro, Surya (2012). Sexuality, Equality and Diversity. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 89. ISBN 978-0230275584.
  4. ↑ "Sorority History". Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated. 2010. Retrieved 2015-03-28.
  5. ↑ "Sorority Principles". 2009-11-20. Retrieved 2014-05-19.
  6. 1 2 Edwards, K.D. (2013). Kappa Theta Epsilon: A New Dawn. Atlanta: KTES Press.
  7. ↑ "ΚΘΕ National Programs". Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Philanthropy Committee. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Chapter Locator". Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Inc. Retrieved 2023-03-09.
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