Hello! I’m a rising freshman applying to the University of Pennsylvania, and I was wondering if any current UPenn undergras knew anything about the gender neutral housing program?
I’m a transgender girl and unless I apply to gender neutral housing, I would probably be placed in a housing situation with men, which would make me extremely uncomfortable. I know Penn has a great LGBT community, but I was just wondering if any students had personal testimonies / had heard about it at all?
Thank you so much! 
http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/residential-services/applications-a-assignments/gender-neutral-housing.html
I am just a mom of an applicant so I can’t shed any light on this but- why would you be forced to house with men if you identify as female gender identity? I am pretty certain schools have to allow you to live/ shower/ use restrooms of your gender identity … as ACLU just won a big case in Il that any federal money will be lost to schools that don’t comply … I cant imagine U Penn would force a female gender identity to room with men!!
Well, this is all premature until you actually have an acceptance from Penn, but why would you not avail yourself of the services provided. Unless I’m missing something, just apply for gender neutral housing. It’s just an option within the regular housing options. It’s not like there is one dorm into which they place all students who desire gender neutral housing.
@runswimyoga I’m unsure of the UPenn housing policies - it may be that I would not be able to be admitted into all-girls housing until I’ve legally changed my gender identifyer (which may take a while, and the process won’t be able to start until this summer).
@skieurope I didn’t know that! I kind of assumed it was a seperate dorm actually.
Thank you both for your replies!
Hello! And welcome-- You will find that Penn is an outstanding place to be LGBTQIA. Penn has been a pioneer in LGBT campus life and continues to be at the forefront of the movement to make all students, regardless of identity comfortable at school. Definitely check out the University’s page on gender neutral housing: http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/residential-services/applications-a-assignments/gender-neutral-housing.html
And for any other questions you have about life on campus, you should reach out to the LGBT center, also known as the Carriage House. http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/lgbtc/ - The website has specific information on Trans* resources and facilities on campus. As well as contact information for staff members whom you could reach out to for more information. I recommend talking to Becca Schept- she’s the best.
Glad you’re considering Penn! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
The only thing I see here is the fact that your roommate might not necessarily " agree" with what you believe etc and that could cause difficulties; I think it would be best to contact them once your accepted and ask for some one of the same nature as you to be housed with you. As in the same way you would not be comfortable with males, many females and males would not feel comfortable with you . Contacting the room mate and making sure he is fine with it could remove lots of hassles.
I hope that did not sound rude or anything ( my terminology is not that good)
The above commenter has an interesting thought but, I wouldn’t worry about contacting your roommate… just take advantage of Penn’s many resources available to all students, regardless of identity, to ensure you are placed in a living environment most conducive to your personal success and well being.