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Queer-affirming Housing

Updated March 21, 2023

University Housing partners with the Pride Center and other departments across campus to create welcoming and inclusive spaces for all students.

Queer-affirming housing is one way we support students who are exploring their gender identity or who identify as LGBTQIA+ as we strive to create accepting and comfortable communities for all students living in University Housing.

Continuing students may remember this being called “gender-inclusive” housing. Housing is now using the term “Queer-affirming” to help make the distinction between a truly LGBTQIA-affirming space versus a mixed-gender space (where students of different genders live together).

Queer-affirming is designed for: 

  • Students in the LBTQIA+ community that seek a fully supportive and welcoming place to live 
  • A non-binary student who is looking for a safe space where they can be their full selves 

Mixed-gender apartments are typically for: 

  • Students who don’t identify as LGBTQIA+ and want to live with students of differing genders 

Queer-affirming goes beyond acceptance and is an environment where students who identify as Queer, “a catch-all word to include many people, including those who do not identify as exclusively straight and/or people who have non-binary or gender-expansive identities” (source) are fully welcomed in a supportive community. 

Queer-affirming housing is widely available in both first-year and continuing Pride Residential Learning Communities (RLCs). Queer-affirming housing can be made available across other RLCs depending on student interest.  

Queer-affirming housing is available to any student who selects this preference in their housing application. If you are not yet out to your family or supporters and must submit inaccurate information on your application, call us at 805-756-1226 or email at housing@calpoly.edu. You can also contact our Housing Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a parent influence placement?

Cal Poly respects the decisions and confidentiality of students as they complete their housing contract, in accordance with FERPA guidelines. Students can contact Housing Administration at 805-756-1226 with questions or concerns.   

Is living in Queer-affirming housing protected information?

Yes, even if supporters/family financially support a student, this information won’t be shared as it is protected by FERPA

Where can I find more information on how to request to live in a Queer-affirming housing option?  

Please feel free to contact Housing Administration at 805-756-1226 with questions or concerns. 

Where can I learn more about the Cal Poly LGBTQIA+ community? 

Visit the Pride Center website, call 805-756-7733 or email pride@calpoly.edu

Can students request not to be placed in Queer-affirming housing? 

Queer-affirming housing is optional. 

What do the restrooms and showers look like in communities where gender-inclusive housing is offered?

Bathroom and shower layouts vary from community to community, and sometimes even from building to building. Here's a look at the bathroom layouts throughout campus housing.

Yosemite: Towers 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 & 9

Yosemite bathroom virtual tour

 Full bathroom with toilet stalls Shower stall with door and inner curtain Bathroom stall with door

Yosemite: Towers 4 & 5

 Full bathroom with stalls Shower stall with double curtains

Sierra Madre: Towers 0, 1, 4 & 5

Sierra Madre bathroom virtual tour

 Shower stall with door Full bathroom

Sierra Madre: Towers 2 & 3

 Shower stalls with doors Toilet stall with door

South Mountain (Red Bricks)

South Mountain gender-inclusive bathroom virtual tour

Red Brick Bathrooms Shower with door

North Mountain

North Mountain virtual tour

North Mountain bathroom stall with sinkNorth Mountain bathroom stall with doorNorth Mountain shower stall

yakʔitʸutʸu

yakʔitʸutʸu features co-ed floors and gender-inclusive bathrooms throughout the housing complex. Stall doors are taller, affording residents more privacy. Showers come equipped with a separate changing area inside the stall.

yakʔitʸutʸu gender-inclusive bathroom virtual tour

yakʔitʸutʸu bathrooms rendering with view of shower stalls and bathroom stalls Poly Canyon Village and Cerro Vista Apartments

Poly Canyon Village Virtual Tour
Cerro Vista Apartments Tour

 Full bathroom with toilet and tub Close-up view of tub and shower

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