Trans Students' University Housing: How Does It Work?

In recent years, colleges and universities have been working to make transgender and non-binary students feel comfortable living on campus. This includes creating more trans-inclusive housing communities, which are intended to create safer and more supportive living spaces for students who identify as transgender, non-binary, or have a different gender identity. In the US, federal law protects transgender students' right to live in housing that reflects their gender identity, and schools that fail to provide adequate housing could face lawsuits or lose federal funding. While there are no official statistics on the number of colleges that offer gender-inclusive housing options, it is estimated that only about one in ten universities did so as of 2016. However, the number of institutions offering these options is growing, and universities are recognising the importance of creating a positive and affirming living environment for all students.

All-gender housing

However, it is important to note that not all transgender and non-binary students feel that all-gender housing is right for them. Some may prefer to live with other transgender or gender-nonconforming students, especially if they are facing discrimination or harassment.

Benefits of all-gender housing

Drawbacks of all-gender housing

One potential drawback of all-gender housing is that transgender students may be required to out themselves when selecting housing arrangements. Housing applications and in-person intake processes often ask for gender identification, which can be harmful to students who do not wish to disclose this information.

Additionally, while the number of colleges offering all-gender housing is growing, rooms may be limited, and transfer or returning students may find it more difficult to obtain these housing options.

Trans-inclusive housing communities

Features of Trans-Inclusive Housing:

• Gender-Neutral Housing: Trans-inclusive housing communities offer gender-neutral housing options, allowing students to live with roommates regardless of their gender identity or legal sex on file. This approach reduces stigma and increases freedom and comfort for transgender and non-binary students.
• Inclusive Bathroom Facilities: These communities often provide gender-neutral bathrooms or access to gender-affirming bathrooms, addressing the concerns of transgender and non-binary students about their comfort and safety in communal spaces.
• Student Engagement and Input: Institutions are encouraged to actively engage with their transgender and non-binary students to understand their specific housing needs and considerations. This includes considerations related to bathroom preferences, room types, and the desire for trans-inclusive roommates.
• Dedicated Spaces: Some colleges and universities have designated specific floors, halls, or residences as trans-inclusive spaces. This approach ensures that students with similar identities and experiences can live together and build a strong sense of community.
• Application and Placement Processes: Trans-inclusive housing communities often have supplemental application processes that allow students to express their gender identity and related considerations. Placement is then determined based on these preferences, with staff working individually with students to find the most inclusive housing options.
• Partnerships and Support Services: Institutions should strengthen partnerships between offices that support transgender and non-binary students and the housing departments. This collaboration ensures that the voices and needs of these students are centred in the housing selection and placement processes, fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus community.

Benefits of Trans-Inclusive Housing Communities:

• Safety and Comfort: The primary goal of trans-inclusive housing is to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for transgender and non-binary students. These communities aim to reduce the risk of discrimination, rejection, and harassment that these students may face in traditional housing arrangements.
• Community Building: Trans-inclusive housing communities foster a sense of belonging and community among residents. They provide opportunities for social connections, peer support, and shared experiences, enhancing the overall campus experience for these students.
• Addressing Housing Insecurity: Transgender and non-binary individuals face higher rates of housing insecurity due to discrimination, rejection, and a lack of inclusive options. Trans-inclusive housing communities aim to address this insecurity by providing stable and accepting living environments.
• Supportive Services: These communities often involve partnerships with support services specifically catering to the needs of transgender and non-binary students. This may include LGBTQ+ centres, counselling services, and health and wellness resources.
• Academic Success: By providing a safe and supportive living environment, trans-inclusive housing communities can positively impact the academic success and overall well-being of these students. When students feel accepted and included, they are better able to focus on their academic pursuits.

In summary, trans-inclusive housing communities are designed to create inclusive and affirming living spaces for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse students. By addressing their unique challenges and considerations, these communities promote safety, comfort, and a sense of belonging, contributing to a more positive and equitable campus environment.

Title IX protections

The Obama administration's interpretation of Title IX included discrimination on the basis of assigned sex, gender identity, and transgender status. This interpretation was used to enforce protections for transgender students, such as the right to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers that correspond with their gender identity. The Obama administration also issued guidance to schools stating that transgender students should be treated consistently with their gender identity, including the use of their preferred names and pronouns.

However, the Trump administration withdrew this guidance, stating that the question of access to sex-segregated facilities should be left to individual states and local school districts to decide. The Biden-Harris administration has since released new rules for enforcing Title IX, which protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment in education. These rules clarify that transgender students:

• May not be barred from any covered educational programs on account of their gender.
• May not be denied access to restrooms, locker rooms, and showers consistent with their gender.
• Are protected from discriminatory dress codes.
• May not be subjected to invasive examinations to prove their gender.

While these rules represent a major step forward, there are still some remaining ambiguities and limitations. For example, while harassment on the basis of sex is prohibited, specific forms of harassment faced by transgender students, such as misgendering and deadnaming, are to be treated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the new rules do not include explicit protections to ensure that transgender students have access to safe and appropriate housing consistent with their gender. While Title IX does not require "sex-segregated" housing, schools are free to implement policies that are inclusive of and welcoming to transgender and nonbinary students.

Gender-neutral halls

Some universities offer gender-neutral housing across all rooms, suites, or apartments on campus, giving students the freedom to select any room they wish, regardless of their gender identity. This approach further reduces stigma and increases freedom for transgender and non-binary students.

However, some students have expressed that gender-neutral housing does not go far enough to meet their needs. For example, a transgender student may still be placed with a roommate who is not comfortable with their gender identity if the university does not have a process in place for students to express their gender identity and housing preferences.

To address this, some universities have created a Gender-Based Housing Considerations Process, allowing students to express their gender identity and considerations such as trans-inclusive roommates, access to gender-affirming bathrooms, and room type. This process has helped universities pair transgender and non-binary students together who wish to live with roommates of the same gender identity and have access to gender-neutral restrooms.

In addition to gender-neutral halls, some universities have established residential learning communities (LLCs) specifically for transgender and non-binary students. These communities aim to foster a sense of community and connection, providing a dedicated space for these students to feel comfortable and respected.

Recommendations for universities

• Engage in direct conversations with transgender and non-binary students to understand their needs, thoughts, and partnership opportunities.
• Strengthen partnerships between offices that support transgender and non-binary students and Housing and Residence Life departments.
• Share information about inclusive housing processes widely to increase awareness and accessibility.
• Include fields in university forms for students to indicate their preferred names and pronouns.
• Provide training for staff on how to respectfully interact with transgender students and use correct pronouns and preferred names.

Trans-specific living and learning communities (LLCs)

Housing Options

Trans-specific LLCs can take various forms, depending on the college or university. Some institutions offer gender-neutral halls, where students of any gender can live together, while others provide all-gender housing, allowing students to indicate their openness to rooming with anyone, regardless of gender identity or legal sex on file.

Some colleges have dedicated floors or houses specifically for transgender and non-binary students, often located near LGBTQ+ centres or featuring gender-neutral bathrooms. For example, Ithaca College's Open Pages Residential Learning Community is a 20-bed floor in the West Tower residence hall, located near the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services, and includes gender-neutral bathrooms.

Other universities offer suite-style rooms or apartments for transgender and non-binary students, such as the University of South Florida's Stonewall Suites.

Application and Placement

The application and placement process for trans-specific LLCs can vary. Some schools, like the University of California, San Diego, allow any undergraduate to apply, while others may have specific requirements or preferences. For instance, George Mason University asks applicants to describe their self-care practice, their motivation for joining an LGBTQ+-focused community, and how they plan to contribute to their residence.

Additional Features

Trans-specific LLCs often include exclusive social events, queer studies courses, and community service projects. For instance, students in the LGBTQ+ living-learning community at the University of California, Los Angeles, participate in Queer Culture Night, the GSS Talent Show, Queer Prom, karaoke nights, and movie screenings.

Benefits

Trans-specific LLCs provide a sense of community and belonging for transgender and non-binary students, who can face challenges and stigma in traditional housing options. These communities also send a powerful message of support and commitment to inclusivity from the institution, fostering a more welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ students.

Frequently asked questions