Gender-inclusive Housing
It is critically important to us that gender-inclusive spaces feel especially welcoming and supportive for students across the spectrums of gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual identity.
Because of our strong commitment to inclusivity and safety in these spaces, we have high standards for students interested in living in gender-inclusive housing. You must demonstrate your understanding of gender and what it means to be specifically aware of the needs of:
- Students in the process of discovering their gender identity or transitioning;
- Students who do not wish to identify themselves by sex or gender identity;
- Students who identify as outside of the gender binary;
- Students whose gender identity is fluid;
- Students who do not conform to society’s expectations to their sex assigned at birth (gender non-conforming)
We recognize that for students who identify in ways listed above, this additional component of the housing application may feel like a burden. Please understand we have created this additional commitment to ensure the integrity of gender-inclusive housing remains intact, and to create strong accountability for inclusivity in these spaces.
While gender-inclusive housing is open to any student, only students that agree to fully support the commitments and demonstrate a strong understanding of gender will be assigned to a gender-inclusive room.
Requesting a gender-inclusive room is part of the housing application process.
Students' Positive Experiences
Hear from students who have lived on campus in Gender-inclusive housing.
"I have a roommate who is able to understand things that most wouldn’t, and we are able to have healthy conversations about sexuality and gender."
"People have been really good at using my correct pronouns, and the RA was quick to change my nametag since my housing profile didn't have my preferred name."
"Gender-inclusive housing took all the stress out of finding tolerant housing. It was really nice to know that I wouldn’t have to worry about gender when it comes to the room I call home."
"If you think it will benefit you even a little bit, especially if you're nonbinary or GNC and especially if you're worried about shared bathrooms, try it out, because not having to think about being misgendered every time you use the toilet or brush your teeth or shower or wash your face is such an important part of your wellbeing. Not having to stress about a part of yourself and how people perceive you in the place you'll call home for the next 9 months is such a relief."
"As a stealth trans man, it's a huge relief to have a place on campus where I don't have to worry if I pass or if I'm acting the way a cis man would. I know my roommate will still think of me the same when they see me with my guard down as when I'm dressed up to pass as cis. We both understand each other's issues with gender, and we know how to discuss it without hurting each other. We have each other to talk to when we have a bad dysphoria day or if we get misgendered. It's so great to know I've got someone at home who'll understand my small victories and my needs."
"If you're trans, I 11/10 recommend it. You can go into college knowing for sure you'll have a roommate who'll accept and support you. If you're an ally, you'd better educate yourself on trans issues and how to have respectful discussions, because your roommate won't always have the time or energy for your questions (however relevant or respectful they might be)."
Looking to further your knowledge?
National Center for Transgender Equality
Opportunities to build community on campus
University of Washington Q Center
Gender and sexuality-related student organizations on campus
Resources in the greater Seattle area
Mixed-gender housing
Mixed-gender housing allows students of different genders to live together within the same shared living space, such as a room or apartment. Mixed-gender housing refers to the shared living space and does not mean that an entire residence hall or apartment building is designated as mixed-gender.
This option is available to students who are comfortable living with roommates of a different gender. Students may choose to live with a friend, sibling or other relative of a different gender, or they may select mixed-gender housing without having a specific roommate in mind.
Mixed-gender housing:
is different from gender-inclusive housing
is an optional housing preference
does not require a mutual roommate request
Students may select mixed-gender housing as a preference during the housing application process. A mutual roommate request is not required to select this preference or to be assigned to mixed-gender housing.
Students who select mixed-gender housing may be assigned roommates of a different gender who have also selected the mixed-gender housing preference.
Roommate Changes and Vacancies
If a roommate moves out during the year, HFS will assign another student to the available space who has also selected mixed-gender housing. The remaining student may also request that the room be reverted to a single-gender room. Requests are subject to space availability and HFS assignment processes.