Eta Sigma Delta is proud to present, GREEK HIGHLIGHT 411. The Flawless Sapphires will pick 2 Greek organizations a month to interview. We will get to know a little about them, and any upcoming events so we can be more informed on upcoming Greek Events. Our fraternity for the month we chose is Beta Omega Iota. Big Sister Sweet and Sassy sat down with Co-Founder Neroli Portofino Sr. Here's what he had to say.
Christy: First I wanna say thank you so much for sitting down with me and doing this interview. Its great to see you as always! How bout we get started with telling me a little about you and your background, and about BOI?
Neroli: Its a pleasure. My name is Neroli Portofino Sr. I am a Co-Founder of Beta Omega Iota (BOI). BOI was something that Mars and I felt the grid needed. When BOI was conceived, there weren’t any fraternities where “studs” or “masculine-identified” women could be themselves. Most women who fit into that category had to lie about their gender to pledge a fraternity. Before us, there was a co-ed group called GAME. Studs were welcomed there but still not able to be “Greek.” The community wasn’t welcoming, but we believe that was surrounding the ignorance of what a fraternity meant. Kappa Alpha Theta was the first female fraternity, which was over a century before what most of us have been privileged to know. The Greek life mainly was parties, and we did not want to add to Greek life in SL by partying. We believe a fraternity is more than a social group; it’s more than a family; it’s a conduit to change the world and have a great fucking time while you do it!
Christy: Im loving that answer! One of the reasons I wanted to do this interview with you is because you have always kept it real and honest. So tell me when was BOI established?
Neroli: November 18th 2010
Christy: I see you have been on the grid for a long time. That is something to celebrate! What is your vision for BOI, Do you feel like your vision is being seen through after all this time?
Neroli: The vision and purpose of BOI has and will continually be satisfied. Ultimately, we wanted to do immaculate things rooted in fertile ground for the community and our brothers. I would say we’ve accomplished that consistently for ten years now. So many people got more into charity work. Now, others see the importance of leadership, and finally, masculine-identified women don’t have to lie about who they are to be Greek.
Christy: That is very true, speaking of community, what are some of the charities that BOI supports?
Neroli: We don't support one charity. We believe that if you can offer a helping hand it shouldn't be isolated. Some of those we have given a helping hand to is as followed. Ball or Bucks in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness; Lost Ones candlelight vigil honoring those souls who have moved to another plain in this world; National Red Nose Day for those without food and shelter;Toys for Tots to bring joy to the hearts of underprivileged children;The I’m Tired Project to support being comfortable in your shell; Stand up for Autism to promote autism awareness; Speakout poetry event in support of the National Center for Gender Equality; Annual Charity Explosion to support Greek missions and migration to service; Knock Out to promote fellowship among Greeks; Stop the Violence Campaign to promote psychological and physiological safety; Lupus Speaks to promote Lupus awareness; The Montrose Center LGBTQ Community & Outreach Efforts; No Kid Hungry; Reading is Fundamental; St. Jude's Research Center; Scholarship of America; Camp Dead End; HeLa “Henrietta Lacks” Memorial Museum; The Barack Hussein Obama Museum; PreventChildAbuse.org; Beta Omega Iota National Aquatic Discovery (Aquarium); First Book Interactive Book Factory (FirstBook.org); Negro Leagues Baseball Interactive Event; International Women’s Day Event: Breaking The Glass Ceiling; BOITalknWalk for The Movement for Black Lives; United Way Nashville; Relay for Life; National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; The Trevor Project; Wounded Warrior Project; WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.); Tools2Thrive; True Colors United; Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Christy: That's a lot of charities you support, and I personally wanna say I am impressed with the impact BOI has made on the grid. Keep up the wonderful work and positive change you have been doing. Aside from the charities, what are some of your signature events?
Neroli: I would say we are humble trendsetters and always inspire others. A few events that may come to mind that is only BOIs,
1. Dragon Awards
2. The Charity Explosion
3. The Community Appreciation Themed Event. We were very excited when the aquarium got featured on the SL Destination Guide.
However, if I had to say we were known for anything, it wouldn’t be a signature event. We take no pride in that—instead, it would be embodying the spirit of the dragon. We are leaders, innovationists, and evolutionary.
Christy: That is amazing being featured on the SL destination guide! I'm sure you all were very proud! Does BOI have any events coming up they would like to announce?
Neroli: BOI is teaming up with ASO, Stevie, and other community members to host a massive event for the HOPEFEST. These funds go to the American Cancer Society. We here donated a Summer Fun event by D. Tox, and that kicked off on May 10th. Follow this event group to get in on the fun https://www.facebook.com/events/142950174431782/, or help us out by donating to the in-world “diversity community” kiosk here: https://bit.ly/2PWMcKu
Christy: Well now you have peaked my interest. I am all for a great event! I have just one more question. Will BOI be doing a pledge line soon? And if so, when?
Neroli: Great question! BOI doesn't recruit or solicit membership until there are persons on the grid that show interest in the organization. Once we see BOI potential in those interested, We then have a line. So, the short answer is, when we see a potential dragon and they identify a potential home. Stay locked in, support Our events and get to know us! https://www.facebook.com/OmegaPrettyBois
Christy: That is awesome! Eta Sigma Delta will be on the look out to show support your way! Thank you so much for sitting down with me today to do this interview Neroli, It was great to see you again, and I look forward to supporting BOI in the years to come. Do you mind if I snap a picture of you?
Neroli: Sounds Amazing, and it was my pleasure. Thank you for considering us.
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