This fall, Texas Christian University will offer on-campus apartments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students, as well as heterosexual students who support them, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
DiversCity Q, as the community is called, is one of the fall additions to TCU’s “living-learning communities,” which are themed sections of housing that allow students with shared interests to live together. The university will also offer two Christian-based living communities and one for fine arts, among others.
Shelley Newkirk, a TCU sophomore who proposed and gathered support for DiversCity Q, hopes the community will be a common space for heterosexual and GLBT students to hang out.
These communities are “a chance for students to be part of a unique experience,” David Cooper, associate director for residential life, told the Star-Telegram. The housing areas are open to all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. Existing living-learning communities at the university include the Green House, for students interested in the environment, and the Health and Wellness Community.
Students submit an application to have these housing areas set aside for their proposals. Other colleges nationwide have made similar room and board provisions for GLBT students, but DiversCity Q is the first in its region.
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