Men of D.I.S.T.I.N.C., Incorporated (MOD) began as a vision rooted in both necessity and courage. In the early 1980s, three Black same-gender-loving males in Tallahassee, Florida—affectionately known as the “Distinguished Few”—sought to create something revolutionary for their time: a space for like-minded collegiate men to bond through fellowship, philanthropy, and service. These young men weren’t just students; they were visionaries navigating a world where queerness, especially within Black communities, was often cloaked in silence for fear of violence, rejection, or being outed.
Because society wasn’t yet ready to embrace openly queer fraternal organizations, the early years of MOD existed behind closed doors and “underground.” Operating quietly, the organization’s growth came through word-of-mouth, trusted networks, and deeply intentional connections. These local assemblies, while modest in size, served as sacred safe havens where members could affirm their identities, grow in leadership, and engage their communities. Over time, these assemblies began to form in various cities across the southern states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.