Methods for Implementing Gender-Inclusive Housing at OSU

Abstract

Gender-inclusive housing has grown increasingly popular within US collegiate housing. Traditional gendered housing begets problems for some students, especially gender-queer and trans*gender students, who feel unsafe or unsatisfied with the traditional model. Historical research about gender-inclusive housing is rooted in Ivy league and large-public institution policy implementation, yet lacks theoretical discussion about the interaction among trans*gender, gender-queer, and allied residents. This project questions the usefulness of several models of gender-inclusive housing, such as university-wide options, individual accommodations, living-learning communities, and co-ed housing. At a theoretical level, this project seeks to deconstruct “essential” gendered spaces and queer identity as essence, and engage dialogue concerning the inclusion of allied students in non-traditionally gendered spaces. Current progress in research reveals that affordable and appropriate gender-inclusive housing can be enacted when embedded in a trans* inclusive structure. These findings preclude the potential of a gender-inclusive housing option at The Ohio State University, as it enhances trans* positivity, and recognizes the lack of trans* inclusive training for housing administrators and staff. The outcome of this research will build upon preexisting research about gender-inclusive housing, and will provide a jumping point for further research on the inclusion of allies in trans* specific housing spaces.