Kappa Kappa Gamma faces appeal over transgender membership lawsuit

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit held oral arguments Monday regarding a lawsuit filed by Kappa Kappa Gamma alumnae against the national sorority. The plaintiffs, including members from the University of Wyoming, allege that the organization breached its contract and violated its fiduciary duty by changing its rules to admit a transgender man.

One plaintiff, Allie Coghan, argued that the sorority’s actions contradict its promise of a ‘sisterhood of women.’ The case follows a previous ruling by Judge Alan B. Johnson, who dismissed the suit with prejudice in August 2025. The district court had ruled that the judiciary could not interfere with the organization’s contractually valid interpretation of its own bylaws, noting that the rules did not strictly define ‘woman’ based on reproductive organs.

Kappa Kappa Gamma defended its position, asserting its right as a private organization to interpret its own bylaws and govern itself. The sorority expressed confidence that the appellate court will uphold the previous ruling.