Gender-inclusive housing is available to all students at Harvard College.
Gender-inclusive housing gives you the option of living together in a room or suite irrespective of your suitemates’ genders.
What is Gender-Inclusive Housing?
Gender-inclusive housing gives students the option of living together in a room or suite regardless of their gender identity. In alignment with the mission of Harvard College, gender-inclusive housing acknowledges and reaffirms gender diversity as an important aspect of campus life.
Students who opt into gender-inclusive housing should be open to living with a person of any gender: cisgender men and women, transgender men and women, nonbinary, agender, and genderqueer students.
If you have gender-based needs that require accommodations beyond those offered by this policy, please e-mail us at Harvard College Housing Office.
What is gender?
Gender Spectrum created a helpful resource that breaks down the differences between gender, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’re a Harvard College student and would like to chat with someone in person about gender related questions, consider reaching out to the Office of BGLTQ Student Life.
How to Request Gender-Inclusive Housing
The process for requesting this housing type differs for incoming first-year students and for upper-level students.
First-Year Students
Over the summer, the Dean of Students Office will send a First-Year Housing Questionnaire to all incoming first-year students where you can check a box to request gender-inclusive housing.
Students who check this box will be housed with others who made the same request.
Upper-Level Students
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can request gender-inclusive housing during their House’s lottery process. Requests for gender-inclusive rooming groups can be made to your House Administrator.
All occupants must voluntarily agree to the arrangements.
FAQ
What if I don’t want to live in gender-inclusive housing?
No one is required to live in gender-inclusive housing. A student must opt into gender-inclusive housing through one of the housing processes described on this page. Students who do not opt into gender-inclusive housing will be given a single-gender housing assignment.
What resources exist for trans, genderqueer, and nonbinary students on campus?
There are many resources available on Harvard’s campus and in the greater Boston and Cambridge area for students who identify as trans, genderqueer, and/or nonbinary. Visit the resources page on the Office of BGLTQ Student Life website to learn about the support that’s available to students on campus.
If you don’t know specifically what it is you’re looking for, your BGLTQ tutor or proctor in your house would be happy to connect with you. If you don’t know who your BGLTQ Tutor or Proctor is, you can find them on this list. LGBTQ+ Supports has a comprehensive list of support resources specific to your affiliation at Harvard. You’re also welcome to reach out to BGLTQ Office.
Is gender-inclusive housing just for BGLTQ students?
Gender-inclusive housing is not just for BGLTQ students; it is for anyone who wants to live with people with whom they feel comfortable, regardless of their gender.
What if my family or legal guardians have concerns about me living in gender-inclusive housing?
We encourage students to make the best-informed decision for themselves regarding their housing. Many students will arrive on campus with family or guardians at the start of the school year, so students may find it helpful to maintain an open dialogue with their families or guardians regarding their housing decisions.
Students who would like resources or support on how to broach this topic can reach out to staff in the Office of BGLTQ Student Life. If you would like to speak with a peer, the BGLTQ Office can connect you with an older student who would be happy to speak with you about their experience living in gender-inclusive housing.