A gay fraternity is one step closer to becoming an official organization on the University of Wisconsin campus. Delta Lambda Phi, which is currently classified as a "colony," is continuing its quest to become a recognized group by Interfraternity, which represents 26 fraternities and sororities on campus. "I think it's a pretty good thing," said Eli Judge, Delta Lambda Phi treasurer. "I've been helping to get it started over the past year and a half. It's a wonderful addition to the Greek community and UW community in general." Judge said the process for being adopted into the national fraternity is lengthy and follows the traditional rush, pledge, brother course. Judge added that there has been a false perception that the Greek community has been unwelcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. "There are many LGBT students in the Greek community right now," Judge said. "It adds a different kind of culture." Drew Willert, vice president of Interfraternity, said the organization needs to pitch itself to the council for inclusion. He said organizations begin as colonies for about a year and a half until the council votes whether to include them in the Greek System. The fraternity currently meets in the Red Gym or Memorial Union every week, and Judge said it hopes to establish a physical base soon. "Getting fully established is a short-term goal," Judge said. "Within a decade, we could maybe get a house. I hope they just get bigger and bigger and more inviting here on campus." Willert was welcoming to the organization and said the group has already proven its involvement in the community and around campus. As an established organization, Willert said Delta Lambda Phi members can form a support group like every other fraternity and sorority on campus. "They're outstanding guys — it's people supporting each other any way they can," Willert said. "It's great they have support for each other and have a place they can go and be a part of a community." Judge said the organization's inclusion of "progressive males" is often overlooked. "One thing that's widely not known that Delta Lambda Phi includes progressive males, so straight guys can join, too," Judge said. "It just adds a different dynamic to a group."