View Housing's page on Gender Affirming Housing, the 1963 Collective, and Kaleidoscope!
At Tulane University, we value diversity and strive to create an environment that promotes the dignity of all people. Tulane's Office of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) is dedicated to providing safe and welcoming living environments for all students in all of the residence halls. However, two spaces have been specifically designed to foster community amongst LGBTQIA+-identified students and their allies: Kaleidoscope Residential Learning Community and our Gender-Inclusive Housing. We believe that all students should be able to live in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity. Gender Affirming Housing (GAH) allows all students of any gender the option of living with other students regardless of their gender.
What is Gender Affirming Housing?
As part of Housing & Residence Life's (HRL) commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students, Gender Affirming Housing (GAH) is available to incoming and current students during the room selection process and is offered throughout campus. GAH allows undergraduate students of any gender the option of living with other students regardless of their gender, offering single and double rooms. While all housing on campus is expected to be free of bias and discrimination, GAH was designed to be a particularly comfortable home on campus for students who identify as transgender, gender non-conforming, lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, queer, questioning, and their allies (LGBTQIA+). As an opt-in policy, GAH is voluntary and no student will be assigned to GAH unless it is requested. GAH promotes self-determination by allowing students the choice to make decisions regarding their own needs. Students may pull in eligible roommate(s), select a single within an apartment/suite, or request to be assigned a roommate.
Why did Tulane University implement a Gender Affirming Housing option?
At Tulane University, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where all students have a sense of safety and belonging. As such, HRL believes that all students should have access to safe and welcoming residential environments. GAH is designated as a particularly comfortable home on campus for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and their allies (LGBTQIA+).
Who will be able to live in a Gender Affirming Housing room?
Gender-affirming housing is available to all students.
Will you allow people who are romantically involved to live together?
As is the case with gender-segregated housing, the GAH option is not intended nor recommended for romantic/sexual couples. HRL discourages students of any gender from living in units with students with whom they have a romantic/sexual relationship.
What if someone who requested a Gender Affirming Housing room decides they no longer want to live in that room?
Students may request room changes by visiting the HRL office in Irby and completing a request form. The student will not be required to move into a GAH room unless they wish.
How many Gender Affirming Housing rooms are available and where will they be?
There is no specific number, or limit, of GAH rooms on campus. GAH will exist across the campus in facilities that allow for bathroom privacy. Our priority is to meet the individual needs of our diverse student communities.
What is the cost of Gender Affirming Housing?
There are no additional costs for GAH rooms. Gender Affirming Housing will be offered throughout campus and options include both single and double bedrooms and will include a range of prices.
How do I apply?
During the online application process, simply click on the box indicating that you are interested in Gender Affirming Housing.
Who do I contact about other questions?
You can contact the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity at 504-314-2183 or ogsd@tulane.edu or Housing and Residential Life at 504-247-1516.
Housing Problems
If you experience a problem with your living situation that you believe is a result of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, immediately talk to your resident advisor, area director, or another staff member. We ask that you also report bias-related incidents (confidentially, if you choose) to the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) and to the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD).
If you experience an incident of bias, misconduct, or discrimination, please submit an online report. If you would like it to remain confidential, please leave out identifying information. However, the more information we have the more we are capable of addressing it.
Kaleidoscope Residential Learning Community
When looking for housing, LGBTQ+-identified students and their allies may be particularly interested in our Residential Learning Community, Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope is dedicated to multicultural, gender, and sexual diversity. As a residential community within the housing system, the Multicultural & Inclusivity Residential Learning Community is designed to offer students the experience of living in an inclusive, diverse, dynamic, and close-knit community, as well as opportunities to grow as agents of social change. Kaleidoscope is a socially just living space based on mutual respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sex, age, class, sexual orientation, religious preference, ability/disability and/or international status. At the crossroads of diverse cultures, residents have the opportunity to learn about themselves and their peers in an atmosphere of respect and appreciation. Each member of this community is valued for their unique backgrounds, life experiences, and complex social identities. Additionally, students develop unique knowledge bases, consciousness, and skills that enable them to effectively participate and take leadership roles in a globalizing and diverse world.
Contacts for Housing and Residence Life Issues
Kyle Rice
Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
krice1@tulane.edu
504-865-5724
Petey Peterson
Director, Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD)
Center for Intercultural Life
Richardson Building, Suite 101
ppeterson@tulane.edu
