Woman’ is not an ambiguous term open to an evolving interpretation.” - the attorneys representing the women who want to keep the sorority house they pay $8,000 for male free.
By Genevieve Gluck December 14, 2023
The female complainants at the center of a lawsuit to have a trans-identified male removed from a sorority at the University of Wyoming have re-filed their appeal, demanding the court clearly define the word “woman.” Artemis Langford, previously known as Dallin, was accepted into Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) last September, spurring several women to file a lawsuit to have him removed.
In August, the case of Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity was dismissed on the basis that re-defining “woman” to include males was “Kappa Kappa Gamma’s bedrock right.” Despite hearing testimony from the women, some of whom stated Langford had “watched” them undress with an erection, Judge Alan Johnson rejected the women’s request to rescind Langford’s admission into the sorority.
However, on December 4, the young women filed an appeal to have the dismissal reversed, arguing that Langford’s presence in the sorority house “caused emotional distress in a personalized and unique way,” and demanding that the court clearly define the word “woman.”
In the appeal, the women reassert that Langford displayed “strange and sexual behavior” towards them, and caused them a level of discomfort and anxiety amounting to personal injury. It reiterates claims that Langford had been filming and photographing the women without their consent and had displayed a visible erection while in the house.
“Specifically, Langford’s unwanted staring, photographing, and videotaping of the Plaintiffs, as well as his asking questions about sex and displaying a visible erection while in the house, invaded Plaintiffs’ privacy and caused emotional distress in a personalized and unique way. And thus Plaintiffs have pleaded a viable direct claim. This Court should therefore reverse the district court’s dismissal of Plaintiffs’ derivative and direct claims,” the appeal reads.
Some of the allegations are a reiteration of previous claims, which Langford’s attorney, Rachel Berkness, has attempted to portray as both false and discriminatory during court proceedings. In June, Berkness filed a motion to dismiss the sorority women’s claims against Langford as “frivolous and malicious,” stating: “The allegations against Ms. Langford … were borne out of a hypothesis in search of evidence and pieced together using drunken party stories. Ms. Langford is not a victim; she is a target.”
The initial suit, filed at the end of March, had asserted that Langford, who is 6’2″, had been voyeuristically peeping on the women while they were in intimate situations, and, on at least one occasion, had a visible erection while doing so.
“One sorority member walked down the hall to take a shower, wearing only a towel … She felt an unsettling presence, turned, and saw [Langford] watching her silently,” the court document reads.
“[Langford] has, while watching members enter the sorority house, had an erection visible through his leggings,” the suit says. “Other times, he has had a pillow in his lap.”
As evidenced by his Tinder profile, Langford is “sexually interested in women.” It was further stated in that Langford took photographs of the women while at a sorority slumber party, where he also is said to have made inappropriate comments.
“At a slumber party, Langford ‘repeatedly questioned the women about what vaginas look like, [and] breast cup size,’ and stared as one Plaintiff changed her clothes,” reads the appeal. “Langford also talked about his virginity and discussed at what age it would be appropriate for someone to have sex… And he stated that he would not leave one of the sorority’s sleepovers until after everyone fell asleep.”
Langford was also said to have taken pictures of female members “without their knowledge or consent.” Some of the women noted that they had “observed Langford writing detailed notes about [the students] and their statements and behavior.”
In May, a judge twice prohibited the women from suing anonymously, while stipulating that Langford’s identity should remain protected. Langford was referred to by the pseudonym “Terry Smith” and male pronouns in the legal documents. Six of the women then refiled the lawsuit under their own names, and are requesting that the court void Langford’s membership in KKG.
“It is really uncomfortable. Some of the girls have been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed. Some girls live in constant fear in our home,” one of the sisters, Hannah, told Megyn Kelly during an interview on her podcast.
Rather than addressing the privacy and safety concerns of the women in KKG, who had each paid $8,000 to live in the sorority house, “Kappa officials recommended that … they should quit Kappa Kappa Gamma entirely.”
In June, the sorority filed a motion to dismiss the suit, calling it a “frivolous” attempt to eject Langford for “their own political purposes.” According to the motion, the women suing were flinging “dehumanizing mud” in order to “bully Ms. Langford on the national stage.” The sorority invited the women to resign their membership “if a position of inclusion is too offensive for their personal values.”
In the motion, lawyers for Kappa Kappa Gamma attempted to depict the suit as an attempt by “a vocal minority” to impose their views on Langford and the rest of the sorority members.
“Perhaps the greatest wrongs in this case are not the ones Plaintiffs and their supporters imagine they have suffered, but the ones that they have inflicted through their conduct since filing the Complaint,” they wrote. “Regardless of personal views on the rights of transgender people, the cruelty that Plaintiffs and their supporters have shown towards Langford and anyone in Kappa who supports Langford is disturbing.”
The recent appeal against the suit’s dismissal, filed on behalf of the young women by Sylvia May Mailman of the Independent Women’s Law Center, the Law Office of John G. Knepper, Schaerr Jaffe LLP, and Cassie Craven of Longhorn Law firm, details several alleged violations of the sorority sisters’ rights, as well as KKG’s own policies.
“The question at the heart of this case is the definition of ‘woman,’ a term that Kappa has used since 1870 to prescribe membership, in Kappa’s governing documents,” the appeal states. “Using any conceivable tool of contractual interpretation, the term refers to biological females. And yet, the district court avoided this inevitable conclusion by applying the wrong law and ignoring the factual assertions in the complaint.”
It goes on to note that from 1870 to 2018, KKG defined “woman” to exclude “transgender women” and that any new definition may not be enacted without a KKG bylaw amendment.
Numerous examples are given of rules put forward by the sorority which use the term “woman,” with the attorneys maintaining that “‘woman’ is not an ambiguous term open to an evolving interpretation.”
KKG leaders who approved Langford’s membership have “subverted Kappa’s mission and governing documents by changing the definition of ‘woman’ without following the required processes.” Kappa President Mary Pat Rooney’s legal team has argued that Langford’s admission into the sorority was based on a 2015 position statement which asserts that KKG “is a single-gender organization comprised of women and individuals who identify as women.”
However, the women’s legal appeal points out that KKG can only change its membership criteria by amending its Bylaws, a process which requires a two-thirds majority approval vote by a Convention of board members. As a Convention to amend Bylaws to reflect the position statement was never held, the appeal states, Langford’s acceptance into KKG is a violation of accepted policies.
KKG leadership is also accused of using “coercive” tactics during the process of voting Langford into the organization in September 2022. After an initial anonymous vote conducted via Google poll failed to result in Langford’s acceptance into the sorority, Chapter leaders developed a second, non-anonymous voting system in which multiple sisters changed their votes because of “fear of reprisal.”
In addition to denying women anonymity, Wyoming chapter officials, after consultation with Kappa’s leadership, had told members that voting against Langford’s admission was evidence of “bigotry” that “is a basis for suspension or expulsion from the Sorority.”
Curiously, prior court documents also reveal that Langford was admitted to KKG despite not even meeting their basic academic eligibility requirements.
While KKG requires applicants to have a 2.7 Grade Point Average (GPA), Langford only had a 1.9 at the time he submitted his membership request, and was not on a grade probation. The legal complaint notes that this indicates Langford’s application was “evaluated using a different standard.”
In November, two longstanding alumni members of KKG revealed they had been expelled in an apparent retaliation for advocating that membership be restricted to females only. Patsy Levang and Cheryl Tuck-Smith had been members of the sorority for over 50 years, and had contributed to fundraising efforts for the organization.
Despite their long history of supporting KKG, Levang and Tuck-Smith were voted out by the sorority’s national leadership on November 9. Levang had been the past Kappa Kappa Gamma National Foundation President, while Tuck-Smith was an active contributor and organizer.
The women’s removal came after they had been vocally opposed to the admission of Langford to the KKG chapter at the University of Wyoming, and had supported a lawsuit launched by members of that sorority to have him removed.
Since news of the lawsuit first became widely circulated, Langford has received ample sympathetic coverage in mainstream media, with one MSNBC host labeling him “brave and unique.” In a recent profile by the Washington Post, Langford was given a platform to accuse the sorority sisters involved in the suit of lying while being compared to women who had historically been denied the right to a basic education.
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Don’t Mess with MC
Summary: When Sebastian hears about MC’s encounter with a bully her first day in Beasts Class, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
A/N: Inspired by this post from @hogwartslegacypics and some of the comments there! The bully’s name is a play on “Leighton Lawley” from The Raven and the Snake by choccy-milky 😅 Hope you enjoy!
“There she is!”
Sebastian flashes MC a wide smile as she jogs over from across the courtyard. Even without being able to see, Ominis can sense the way Sebastian instantly perks at the girl’s presence.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” MC apologizes, setting her things down and taking a seat on the stone bench next to Sebastian.
“Not at all,” says Ominis.
“Got held up in Beasts Class, did you?” Sebastian makes the inquiry through his first bite of his lunch.
“Not quite,” MC says, pulling her own food from her pack. “I made a new friend, actually.”
Sebastian dramatically flourishes his hand against his chest. “What, Ominis and I not good enough for you?”
MC laughs and shakes her head. “Don’t be silly. The two of you are invaluable to me.”
“Best not to exaggerate, lest it go straight to Sebastian’s head,” Ominis tuts. Sebastian smacks his shoulder.
“It’s not an exaggeration, though!” MC insists.
“Thank you!” Says Sebastian. “At least someone here has my side.”
“Do go on, then,” Ominis prods, ignoring Sebastian. “I, for one, would like to hear about your Beasts Class.”
“Mm,” MC nods through a mouthful of food. “Yes. I was partnered with Poppy Sweeting, who was very kind to me. She even let me keep her brush.”
“Wow, Poppy gave you her beasts brush?” Sebastian says. “You must’ve made quite the impression on her.”
“Indeed. Poppy has a…” Ominis hesitates, finding the polite word. “Reputation for her love of beasts in the school.”
“Hm, perhaps that’s why we hit it off,” MC speculates.
“How do you mean?” Sebastian asks.
“Well, there were some awful bullies picking on a Kneazle—”
Sebastian leans forward. “Bullies?”
“Yes,” MC nods, continuing her lunch. “They were trying to steal a whisker from the thing. Poppy defended the creature, but they mocked her for it. So I stepped in and told them they really weren’t clever for it.”
Sebastian sets his jaw. “Who were they?”
MC quirks her lips. “I’m not entirely sure— I think it was Leight something?”
“Leightly Lawton,” Ominis offers.
“Yes, that was him. Awful fellow.”
Sebastian hums to himself, his brow furrowed. MC had won Crossed Wands, yes, but he had heard the rumors that it was only through his help. Not many people in the school are aware of how talented MC truly is— how, on top of her unyielding kindness and patience, she is an incredibly talented and powerful force, truly in her own league. Out of all the students in the entire school, even 7th years, he wouldn’t pick anyone else he’d want to have his back clearing out a cave full of spiders. And yet, idiots like Lawton would be unkind because of stupid rumors.
“You said you have a Rudimentary Beasts Class, yes?” He asks.
“That’s right,” MC nods. “Why?”
“Oh, just wondering.”
• • • • •
“Professor Weasley, do you have a moment? I’d like to discuss enrolling in the Rudimentary Beasts Class.”
Professor Weasley dips her quill in ink and continues scrawling on the parchment in front of her. “Rudimentary Beasts Class, you say?”
Sebastian nods. “Yes ma’am.”
She finishes her sentence in the menial report for Professor Black and looks up to the boy. “If I recall correctly, Mr. Sallow, you completed your Introductory Beasts Class in third year with no issues.”
Sebastian offers her a charming smile. “That’s correct. However, with O.W.L.’s right around the corner, I am finding I could stand to be refreshed on all I learned third year.”
Matilda sets down her quill and folds her hands. “And you believe you are truly in need of such refreshers, Mr. Sallow?”
He nods earnestly. “Indeed. For example, MC had to recently remind me that spiders are not actually insects.”
Ah, there it is— the real reason behind the request. After years of working as Hogwarts faculty, Matilda has had quite enough practice schooling her expression. So her neutral face went unchanged at the mention of MC’s name. But she wondered how oblivious students thought their faculty truly were, to assume that they wouldn’t catch on to how often the Sallow twin and the new fifth year were seen together, smiling sweetly at each other, laughing and sharing lunches…
However, enrolling in an additional class certainly wasn’t the worst request to make, and Sallow could certainly handle his schoolwork when he actually wanted to pursue something.
“Spiders as insects? My, that is quite discomforting,” Professor Weasley raises her eyebrows. “But are you certain you can handle the additional course in your schedule, Mr. Sallow?”
“Yes ma’am. I think if anything it will be good to keep me occupied with more schoolwork. Staying out of detention, and all that.”
Clever boy. Couldn’t argue with that. “Very well, Mr. Sallow. I will add the Rudimentary Beasts Class to your schedule. However, please note that the second your marks drop, we will revisit this conversation.”
“Of course, Professor. Thank you.”
Matilda doesn’t miss the way that he smiles brightly as he leaves, and heads straight in the direction of MC’s Common Room.
• • • • •
Sebastian wakes up early to make sure he’s the first one to Beasts Class. (Something Ominis would add to his list of ‘things Sebastian does for MC’ to tease him over, later on).
As the class time approaches, the students begin trickling in. Poppy goes straight to the Kneazle pens to feed them. Everett shuffles in begrudgingly, still recovering from a bought of the flu that kept him out of classes even in spite of Sharp’s Pepperup potions. And finally—
“Sallow?” Even from the entry of the pavilion, Sebastian can see the way Lawton’s throat works at the sight of his new classmate.
“Ah, Leight!” Sebastian smiles— but his eyes narrow and expression darkens. “I’ve just transferred into this class. Wonderful, isn’t it?”
Lawton swallows. “Yes, a pleasure. But, um, what made you transfer?”
Sebastian smiles and says, “No reason in particular,” but his icy glare says otherwise.
The boy waits for Sebastian to elaborate. Instead, Sebastian maintains eye contact until Lawton begins to shuffle nervously. Finally, he awkwardly moves to his desk. Sebastian follows him with his gaze, making the bully squirm. Until—
“Sebastian?!”
He snaps towards the voice. MC is beaming as she enters the pavilion, framed in sunlight trickling down through the surrounding trees.
Sebastian utterly melts at the sight.
“Are you in my beasts class now?” MC inquires, ecstatic.
“Indeed I am,” he smiles to her—and, this time his eyes filled with nothing but warmth. Lawton would not fail to notice the difference.
She sets her things down beside Sebastian, and he happily makes room for her. As she settles and unpacks her things, Sebastian leans over her.
“Are these all of the materials I’ll need for class?” He asks, one arm framing her figure as he gestures to her brush and kibble.
“I believe so, but mind I’m still relatively new as well,” she says. As she speaks, Sebastian isn’t looking at her. He’s slowly turning his head to lock eyes with Lawton.
“Are these things any different from when you took the class in third year?” MC asks, rummaging through her bag for her quill.
Sebastian is still wrapped around her. “Oh,” he says, looking directly at Lawton. “I think this time around will be much different.”
Sebastian is sure that if Lawton were to retract into his shirt collar any further, he would become a turtle.
“Oh, but wait!” MC gasps, looking up. “If you’re my partner, there will be an uneven amount of students. I don’t want Poppy to be alone again.”
“Actually, there will not be an odd number of students,” says a new voice from behind them both.
Sebastian and MC spin around.
“Natty!” MC exclaims. “You’re in this class now, too?”
Natty clasps her hands together and smiles. “I am. I am happy that we can be here together.”
“Me too!”
Sebastian and Natty lock eyes. The small smirk on Natty’s face may have been lost to MC as her just being happy to be there, but it was a loud and clear signal to Sebastian.
“Actually, MC,” he says, “I think you probably couldn’t have a more knowledgeable partner than Poppy Sweeting for this class. I think you would be better off to stay with her.”
“Oh,” MC tilts her head, “will you and Natty partner then?”
“Actually, I think it would be best to differentiate, so that the new students are not together,” Natty says thoughtfully.
“Exactly!” Sebastian follows up loudly. “I can partner with Leightly. We are in the same house, after all.”
“And I will take Leightly’s previous partner,” says Natty.
Sebastian casts a wicked smile and waves with fake enthusiasm to Lawton— who has gone completely pale.
Poppy enters the pavilion and MC moves to excitedly explain how all of her friends are now in the same class together. Sebastian takes the opportunity to stride over to his new partner.
Lawton flinches as Sebastian throws his arm over the boy’s shoulder.
“This is going to be a fantastic semester, don’t you think, Leightly?”
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Ambiguously Bisexual Characters
Happy Bisexual Day of Visibility. Here's another icon set of ambiguously bisexual characters.
No Discourse Please.
Zoé Lee from Miraculous Ladybug; she is revealed to have feelings for Marinette in the Season 5 episode Adoration, confirming that she is attracted to women. Her exact sexuality has not yet been stated.
Blue Moon from Cyberpunk 2077; during their final text conversation after successfully completing the Every Breath You Take side job, V can ask them out to dinner. Regardless of gender, she turns them down, not because she doesn't want to, but because she doesn't have time. Whether this is a hint that she's bi or an oversight by the developers is uncertain, but it's a valid interpretation nontheless.
Yang Xiao Long from RWBY; she is in a relationship with Blake Belladonna, who is canonically bi, as of Volume 9, but it is unclear if Yang is bi, pan or lesbian. Though it is worth noting that she displays attraction to men very early on in the series, though hasn't done since, so it could be interpreted either way.
Fang from Goodbye Volcano High; they are non-binary and can potentially enter a relationship with the female Naomi. Their exact orientation remains unsaid, however, and is left open to interpretation.
Naomi from Goodbye Volcano High; she is attracted to the non-binary Fang, and can potentially enter a relationship with them. Her exact orientation remains unsaid, however, and is left open for interpretation,
Reed from Goodbye Volcano High; he is shown to be attracted to men, but his exact orientation remains unsaid and open for interpretation.
Boscha from The Owl House; when asking Amity if she saw a ghost and if they're cute, Boscha refers to them with gender neutral pronouns. In addition, the way she is written in For The Future provides some possible subtext that she may have had feelings for Amity at some point. No statement on this has been given, so it's open to interpretation.
Goro Takemura from Cyberpunk 2077; following the mission Gimme Danger, V can ask Takemura in a very suggestive fashion if he'd like some company, which he does pick up on. Regardless of gender, he turns them down, but also says that he is "honoured", and indicates that if circumstances were different, he may have accepted. Again, whether this is developer oversight or a hint that Goro is bisexual is open to interpretation.
Edric Blight from The Owl House; in the episode Through the Looking Glass Ruins, he's said to have a date with someone, but they are only ever referred to with gender neutral pronouns. We never see this person, or hear anything else about this afterwards, so their gender and his sexuality remains open to interpretation.
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