Rainbow Community


image of the KU Jayhawk over the Pride flag, shaped like Kansas

Update

Because Lewis Hall will be closed for renovations during the 2024-2025 academic year, the Rainbow Community will be housed in Templin Hall until Lewis is reopened.

Interested in the Rainbow Community?

The Rainbow Community in Lewis Hall serves LGBTQIA+ students and allies with programming and support in partnership with the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity. This housing option allows you to share a suite with fellow students regardless of sex, gender identity, or gender expression. It also includes gendered space where you can live with students who share your gender identity if you prefer.

The Rainbow Community is open to any student who wishes to be housed in an LGBTQ+ inclusive space, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. KU Student Housing will not share room assignment information with anyone other than the contracted student.

Each Rainbow Community suite includes a shared living room space and a shared bathroom within the suite. Rates for the Rainbow Community are the same as other student rates.

How to Apply

Follow the process described on the application page to apply to student housing and accept the contract terms. You may then indicate your preference for the Rainbow Community inside the myKU portal. Afterward you will receive an email welcoming you to the community and providing you with more information.

Want to live elsewhere on campus?

If you identify as LGBTQIA+, but don’t want to live in the Rainbow Community, you can request a gender inclusive assignment in any hall.

Questions? Looking for something else?

Our commitment is to helping students find the living environment that best meets their needs while supporting and affirming their gender identity. Email Katie Keenan at katiekeenan@ku.edu to learn what other options might be available to you.

SGD Partnership

  • Housing & Residence Life maintains a strong partnership with the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity (SGD) in promoting and supporting our Rainbow Community and GIA spaces.

  • Their resources include a calendar of events, information on their trans closet, a list of all gender restrooms across campus, and more.

Links

Lewis Hall

exterior of Lewis Hall on a sunny day


Learn more about Lewis Hall, home of the Rainbow Community.