UK students ask for separate LGBT housing
Campaigners are calling for separate accommodation for LGBT students at UK universities in order to counteract bullying. At present, Birmingham University is the only UK institution that offers such accommodation. However, the University of York and the University of Central Lancashire in Preston are both currently facing calls to provide separate housing for their LGBT students. Although such dorms are common in US colleges, British opponents argue that they could lead to division and isolation.

Students are calling for separate LGBT accommodation at universities to avoid being victimised at the hands of their straight housemates.

At present, Birmingham University is the only institution that offers an 'LGBT housing option' for freshers who do not want to live with straight students.

Students across England are now campaigning for the same rights so they could live without fear of 'victimisation as well as homophobia, biphobia and transphobia from flatmates'.

Students at York University (pictured) are campaigning for LGBT-only accommodation

At the University of York, transgender student Ashley Reed, a former LGBT officer of the student union, is submitting plans for separate LGBT accommodation.

On Facebook she wrote how she felt 'so persecuted at York [University] just because I'm trans and disabled.'

Students at the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston, are also pushing for LGBT-only housing, the Sunday Times reported.

The National Union of Students' LGBT campaign's guidance will point to case studies in US colleges, where LGBT-only dorms are commonplace.

Critics have argued the move could leave LGBT students 'more isolated' and 'build more barriers'.

Students at the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston, are also pushing for LGBT-only housing

It comes as US President Barack Obama ordered schools to allow transgender pupils to use toilets matching their gender identity.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch said schools that don't comply may face lawsuits or lose federal aid if they do not comply.