Delta Lambda Phi, an international social fraternity focused on building community and support between gay, bisexual, and progressive men, has initiated a colony at Washington State University.

On Oct. 25, the fraternity was recognized by their national headquarters as one of Delta Lambda Phi’s five current colonies. New associate member status was given by WSU’s United Greek Association (UGA), which governs multicultural fraternities and sororities, two weeks beforehand.

Khiabett Contreras, Vice President of Public Relations for the UGA, said that the fraternity works through UGA because the group – which currently consists of 8 members – is a minority of sorts.

The fraternity began in 1987, according to their official website dlp.org,  when a chapter was established in Washington, D.C. Twenty-four men were initiated under the leadership of founder Vernon L. Strickland III.

Today, Rodrigo Bonilla takes this same lead as WSU’s colony president. He has been pursuing the fraternity’s establishment on campus for two years.

There are 30 other chapters within the United States and Canada.

Contreras said in a press release that the fraternity’s colonization and new associate member status allows them to advertise and recruit on campus.

A statement on DLPlp.org reads that Colony mentors Joel Corcoran and Mickey Balderas will lead Delta Lambda Phi on their journey to being chaptered.

Delta Lambda Phi’s values state that it is the fraternity’s goal to present a strong and positive image that respects the diversity of all individuals. They seek to provide dignified and purposeful, social, service, and recreational activities. All of this is done regardless of sexual orientation.

Rodney Prioleau, the vice president and public relations chair, said in a press release that it is his hope to do this by providing a group outside of the Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center (GIESORC) that fosters a brotherhood and friendship between all individuals who identify as men.

The fraternity anticipates recruiting three new chapter classes before deciding to apply for chapter status with their national headquarters.

Reporting by Lance Lijewski