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