What Is Gender-Inclusive Housing?
Gender-inclusive housing is an environment where student housing is not restricted to traditional limitations of the gender binary (male/female). Instead, gender-inclusive housing is based on the notion that more than two genders - in fact, an infinite amount - exist. This is a Departmental and University commitment to establish more inclusiveness and room for diverse identities. Gender-inclusive housing means that students from all gender identities and expressions may choose to live together.
What Contributed to The Creation of Gender-Inclusive Housing At UM?
As we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe residential experience, offering gender-inclusive housing both accommodates and respects the complexities of gender identity. Knowing that traditional, same-sex room assignments are not always comfortable and/or appropriate for all students, we found gender-inclusive housing to be more welcoming for all of our students and truly demonstrate our commitment to our mission of “Student Housing for Student Success.”
Out of respect for the uniqueness and validity of the self-perceptions and identities of our students, we are establishing gender-inclusive housing options for our residential communities. Living in a room/suite/apartment that is not based on one’s biological sex can further support the safety and comfort of our students who do not fit into others’ expectations of gender presentations, expressions, or identity.
Is Gender-Inclusive Housing Just for LGBTQ Students?
Gender-inclusive housing is not just for LGBTQ people; it is for anyone who wants to live with people with whom they feel comfortable - no matter their gender. Students who elect this option must be open to living with a person of any gender. Students are interested in gender-inclusive housing for a variety of reasons. It is our hope that you make the best decision for you.
Who Can Participate in Gender-Inclusive Housing?
This option is available for continuing students through the Housing sign-up process. Incoming students who believe that this housing option will best support their personal needs as they transition to the UM community may contact the HRL assignments staff to discuss what options may be possible.
What If a Student Does Not Want to Live in Gender-Inclusive Housing?
A student must identify that they are interested in gender-inclusive housing in order to be considered. Students who do not identify an interest will not be considered and will remain eligible for same-sex housing assignments.
What If Parents/Legal Guardians Do Not Want Their Student to Live in A Gender-Inclusive Housing Room/Suite/Apartment?
We encourage all students to maintain an open dialogue with their families regarding housing decisions. Students over the age of 18 are legally able to make decisions about their housing agreements without parental consent. Students under 18 should discuss housing plans with their families, as they will be required to have parental consent.
Can People Who Are Romantically Involved Live Together?
Gender-inclusive housing is not intended for romantic couples. As a general rule, we would strongly advise against doing so. We respect and honor the privacy of our students, so current procedures do not require students to disclose their reason for roommate requests. However, please note that the Department of Housing & Residential Life strongly encourages students to reconsider living with a person with whom they are romantically involved, regardless of whether it is a same-sex or different-sex relationship. Some relationships are ready for this step while others are not, and there can be serious challenges for both students should the relationship end.
