Have you ever desired to have your life be a “Will and Grace” episode? Do you want to live with your gay boyfriend, pop-culture’s new hottest trend seen on such shows like Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys? Ultimately, are you interested in gender-neutral housing?
At Purchase, gender-neutral housing is now offered at all apartment communities: the Olde, the New, and Alumni Village. As seen on the Purchase web site, a four person group is allowed to apply to gender-neutral housing if every member of said group meets the minimum requirement of 36 credits or is 21 years of age at the time of application. These are the same requirements of anyone interested in living in the apartments. The eligibility for any housing is credit-based.
Interested groups must understand their roommate must be of the same legal sex, designated by the student information system. According to Emily Balcom, the associated director of residential life, the next step for gender-neutral housing is into the residential halls. This would most likely take place in suites.
“Perhaps, in the future, we can have mixed couples live in the same room with each other,” said Balcom.
Here at Purchase College, gender-neutral housing is offered to any group of four eligible students who wish to live in an apartment together. It is open to all, regardless of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.
“It provides a safe place for students who didn’t want to be blind by certain gender roles,” said Balcom.
“I’ve had experiences, pre-Balcom, where I lived with people who were transphobic and who publicly talked about my sexuality,” said Caleb Trimm, junior here at Purchase College. Trimm is also the co-president of Transaction, a transsexual activist group fighting for gender equality as a sub-community of GLBTU.
“I’ve had experiences on campus that have made me feel livid and terrible and uncomfortable,” he said.
In the past, gender-neutral housing was only for the GLBT community. It is now available to anyone who desires to reside in a welcoming and inclusive community.
“Emily Balcom, throughout this whole process, has been amazing and positive,” said Purchase senior Devon Cassese, co-president of GLBTU.
Purchase College is not the only SUNY partaking in gender-neutral housing. According to the SUNY Geneseo web site, gender-neutral housing serves two primary purposes: to house students whose gender identity might not fit traditional societal labels and to offer a place for peers to share living accommodations regardless of gender. Since 2001, Geneseo has offered gender-neutral housing at their Saratoga Terrace townhouses.
So, if you desire to live in comfortable setting where your gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation is regarded respectfully, look into gender-neutral housing because, as said by Trimm, “No student should have to pay for housing that makes them feel unsafe.”