Men Interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha (MIAKA)
Have you ever heard of MIAKA? That acronym stands for Men Interested in AKA. They are homosexual men who want the right to pledge and join the ranks of the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha. But apparently, there’s a problem with that idea…they’re men.
No matter how sensitive to women’s issues or in touch with their feminine side, MIAKA does not fit the key qualification that it takes to be a part of the non-profit, community centered, women’s service organization. The AKAs were established in 1908 on the campus of Howard University and they, in 104 years, have yet to induct a man into their sorority. But now it has been rumored that a lawsuit is pending that charges AKA with discrimination and homophobia because they won’t allow this group of gay men to be members.
I hate to poke holes in their complaint before it officially gets off the ground, but there are plenty of AKAs that are lesbians. So, if this is all true, they may not want to use the homophobic argument. According to Rolling Out Magazine, there isn’t any real proof that there will be a lawsuit other than a story that popped up on KollegeKidd.com over the weekend. The details of the suit have not been documented.
But, why do people try to use the Constitution to bully organizations, pageants, proms and other gender-based competitions into allowing the opposite sex a chance to get inside? Why don’t they establish their own institutions that celebrate the same components they are enamored with in the organizations they would like to join?
It seems strange that MIAKA hasn’t thought of that as reports of their group have been “unofficially” founded on the campuses of Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University, according to the Huffington Post. The Divine 9–as the African American greek organizations are affectionately called that comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council–would probably show great respect for their organization if they contributed to building the Council in the traditions of community service. Anyone can serve. Why can’t they serve as they are?
Star Jones is a well known AKA and she took to Twitter in outrage:
What do you think? Read the full story here.
-J.C. Brooks
June 20th, 2012 at 7:43 am
WOW STAR..
June 20th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I think this is hilarious. Instead of always trying to change rules, why not create your own organization that allows those that fit into your category to join. It is what it is, you are who you are now be creative.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Isn’t a sorority just for women and a fraternity just for men? If they really want to be a part of a group like AKA, let them make up their own gay male organization and call it MIAKA? If they, as gay males, are allowed to be a part of the sorority, it defeats the whole purpose of these organizations. Fraternities will have to start allowing lesbians to become a part of them. This makes no sense to me.
June 20th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
My how times have changed. Back in the day, MIAKA was an informal name for AKA Sweethearts, guys who were friends of the AKA’s. Now this? What is the world coming to?
June 21st, 2012 at 4:47 pm
It makes perfect sense. Black Gay men don’t want to challenge Black straight men for position in the Greek organizations.It’s easier for them to challenge Black women.
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
This is a bunch of foolish. There is a difference in a lesbian who may actually be an AKA than a man who wants to pledge into the sorority. And if the sorority challenges this alleged lawsuit does not mean that the sorority is “homophobic.” Black gay men who want to be AKAs, go and “find” your own “sorternity” (that’s a start.) #yeahipostedit!!
June 25th, 2012 at 4:56 am
Really?????? Men go ahead somewhere and get a life. Ok, your gay…….FINE. Just because your gay that don’t mean your going to change the rules of a sorority thats over 100yrs old. IT’S FOR WOMEN ONLY!!!!
June 26th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
I am an AKA, and I know that what these young men want is not going to happen. What they need to do, as someone mentioned, is start their own greek fraternity. This way, they will be able to establish their own rules, procedures,and bylaws. I am sure that there is enough gay support out there for them to get sponsors to help them get started. This is the road you should take fellas…if there is any truth to this rumor of a lawsuit.