So, good news first, I just received notification that I got accepted into my dream college! (!)(!)(!) So of course, now comes the question of housing. I had to apply to college under my legal name and sex, both of which I haven't been able to change yet. Obviously I would prefer to be living in a male dormitory. I pass rather well and I've heard stories of tranguys living in female dorms being escorted out by security because they were successfully read as male, not to mention how utterly uncomfortable I'd be sharing a room with a girl. The residence halls available to first-year students are gender segregated , and all of the residence halls require roommates to be of the "same gender". I really love this school and I'd attend it even if I can't move into a the right dormitory, so is it a good idea to come out to the college administration via email and request a male dorm? Has anyone here been through a similar situation?
I would check and see if the school offers a gender neutral housing option. If not, then I would email and explain your situation to the administration. You have the right to be provided housing that matches your gender identity.
My college is pretty helpful to everyone here. When discussing gender identities a few of my friends and I have been offered to stay in the opposing gender dorm. I would just ask.
definitely contact someone at the school. mine was able to give me a room to myself and on a coed floor. and my friend was able to get a room mate who is also trans. though if you have to share a room with someone, i'd put some serious thought into which you want to choose. as shitty as it is, sometimes it's better to stick with the gender assigned at birth when it comes to gendered spaces :/
Thanks for the help, guys! They don't have gender neutral dormitories, but the official statement on their website claims they're looking into it as a possibility in the future. I'll definitely email them and see what they say!
Have you thought about co-ed dorms? When I went to university we had a number of options. We had a co-ed dorm that was less than 50 people, an all female res, a co-ed dorm that was once an all boys dorm, and 2 dorms that were hotels at one point. They had bathrooms in every room. Definitely getting in touch with the university sooner rather than later is important. You might be able to have an option available to you now that you might not if you wait until last minute. I would also contact the school's LGBT group/society/organization for a little extra help. They might be able to help or tell you things you need to know, or possibly find a room mate you could share a space with that embraces trans folks.
