The University of Kansas is about to become a bit more queer thanks to a new residence hall. Next fall the university is opening a “Gender Inclusive Housing” dormitory option, welcoming any and all trans or queer students who want to live in a suite together.
The residence hall is designed to let students join “regardless of their sex, gender identity, gender expression or the sex, gender identity, gender expression of their roommates.” Intended in part for trans students, the hall also lets gay, bisexual, queer, and gender non-conforming classmates to apply, as well as anyone else interested in an inclusive housing experience.
The dorm wing allows students to room with others regardless of sexuality or gender. Students can either apply with a party in mind, or have the school randomly assign them roommates. Over 20 students have reserved a spot in the residence hall, and more are expected to sign up. There’s only one requirement involved: All residents must sign an agreement to behave in an appropriate manner and respect one another’s privacy.
This isn’t the first time that a college university has introduced LGBTQ-inclusive housing options for students. Rutgers University in New Jersey hosts several housing options for queer students, including an LGBTQ residence hall called Rainbow Perspectives. The University of Maryland also has gender inclusive housing options available, and Ithaca College hosts a special process to assure trans students receive the housing accommodations they need for their school year.
H/T NewNowNext
