Gender Inclusive Housing: Gender Inclusive Housing: Beyond the Suite LifeBeyond the Suite Life

Allyson BeckArea Coordinator

Southern Oregon University

HistoryHistorySpring 2008 – Group of students

associated with the Queer Resource Center (QRC) had an idea for a new housing option

Spring/ Summer 2008 – Students worked with the Coordinator of the QRC to put the proposal together

Fall 2008 – Spoke with the Director of Housing and got approval

The ProposalThe ProposalA typical residence hall

Application

Outcomes for the floor◦Cost effective◦Identity of a resident◦To create a safe community◦To be supportive of each other

New bathrooms

History, cont.History, cont.Academic Year 2008 – 2009 – Plans began

Fall 2009 – 1 floor was dedicated to Gender Inclusive Housing, about 25 residents signed up

Fall 2010 – Housing Applications showed that double the amount of students were looking to live in the community

The Students The Students Story Time

Open mindedCaringThoughtfulFamily

ProgrammingProgramming

Divers-tea

Transgender Sleepover

Gender Inclusive Bathroom Hunt

Tie Dyeing with the QRC

Constant Collaboration with the QRC

Challenges & SupportChallenges & SupportBathroom ConstructionCouples living together

Possible Challenges◦Hate Crimes/ Speech◦Misunderstanding of the floor outcomes

Support from campus & students

ImplementationImplementation

Student support

Location

Staff Support / Campus Support