Gender Inclusive Housing: Beyond the Suite Life Allyson Beck Area Coordinator Southern Oregon University

History Spring 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 Proposal A 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. 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 Story Time Open minded Caring Thoughtful Family

Programming Divers-tea Transgender Sleepover Gender Inclusive Bathroom Hunt Tie Dyeing with the QRC Constant Collaboration with the QRC

Challenges & Support Bathroom Construction Couples living together Possible Challenges ◦Hate Crimes/ Speech ◦Misunderstanding of the floor outcomes Support from campus & students

Implementation Student support Location Staff Support / Campus Support