There is a stereotype of the average frat guy. And there is a stereotype of the average gay man. In general, these two images do not overlap.

But with the formation of the Boston colony of Delta Lambda Phi, a national gay fraternity, members are challenging both of those perceptions, according to President and Pledge-master Paul S. Mercurio.

"We're like that middle bridge," he said.

Delta Lambda Phi posters are scattered about the Yard in an attempt to reel in some Harvard students to take part in its Rush 2000.

The seven current brothers, who attend various Boston area schools, have been together for one semester, but hope to at least double their size after rush.

Rush kicks off with an information session at MIT's 24-hour coffeehouse in the student center Jan. 19.

To attract prospective brothers and get to know them better, DLP has planned several other social activities--including ice-skating and billiards.

Mercurio, a sophomore at Boston University (BU), said that when he arrived at school he felt a need for something more than Spectrum, the gay and bisexual group for BU students.