Understanding the housing experiences of trans* and non-binary college students

Abstract

While it is well known that the United States has a problem with high rates of homelessness and housing insecurity, the specific housing experiences of transgender college students is an under-explored topic. Existing studies suggest that a significant subset of youth experience housing insecurity during their years as college students; research also indicates that LGBTQ and specifically trans* youth experience disproportionately high rates of homelessness and housing insecurity. As such, it is important to capture the stories of those who fall into both of these categories. This interview-based study with trans* college students, including students who have experienced housing insecurity and homelessness during college, begins to fill the gap in our knowledge about this population. This research begins to shine light on the particular housing experiences of trans* college students with a goal of shaping policy that might better serve the needs to this population.