Homophobia — the fear and/or hatred of homosexuality and homosexual relations.

There’s no denying that homophobia is almost everywhere in today’s society, from East Coast to West Coast and from Harvard University to Iowa State University.

So there’s no surprise that homophobia could be found in ISU’s greek system.

Many presidents of fraternities and sororities on campus say they don’t see homophobia or that it’s not a topic that they think about.

However, many leaders of the ISU greek system seem to have different opinions on the issue.

Greek Affairs Coordinator Brian Tenclinger admits he consulted with two greek members who were afraid to come out because they lived in homophobic environments.

Homosexuality and bisexuality continue to lose their stigma in society.

It is becoming less of a taboo for men and women to be open about their homosexual or bisexual orientation.

But it’s scary when some members of the ISU greek system believe they are immune from homophobia. That somehow it doesn’t exist, as if there is a blanket separating the greek system from the rest of society.

The blanket needs to be stripped away.

The ISU greek system will continue to lag behind the changing times of society unless it realizes homophobia does exist inside its walls.

Although the greek system has anti-discrimination rules, how will members know when discrimination is taking place against someone who is homosexual or bisexual if they won’t recognize homophobia?

Programs on homosexuality and bisexuality would help in making more members of fraternities and sororities aware of the homophobia.

It’s hard to believe that there is not one gay or lesbian person in that 14 percent of ISU students living in the greek system

Ten members of the greek system have attended Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Ally and Alliance meetings this year.

If homophobia didn’t exist in the greek system, gay and lesbian members would feel comfortable enough to come out in that environment.

They wouldn’t need to hide.