Rice University is celebrating joy, friendship and fellowship as part of its annual Pride Week. An array of events are planned throughout this week designed to spark connection and engagement in meaningful dialogue in a space where all identities are welcome.
While Pride Month is typically associated with June, Rice hosts a celebration in April, so students may participate before leaving campus for the summer.
“Pride is a reminder that none of us are alone,” said Juliann Losey, assistant director of LGBTQ+ Thriving in the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence. “Our Rice Pride Week aims to include everyone — LGBTQ+ folks, allies, neighbors, classmates, faculty and staff. We all have a role to play in building a more caring and connected campus.
“We’re also excited to work with our campus and community partners to grow this momentum. The events focus on spending time together, enjoying camaraderie and learning more about how to support one another.”
The programming includes the following:
Available All Week: April 7-12
- The Library is Open: Celebrating Rice Pride Week, Fondren Library Quad Entrance
- Fondren Library’s book display features LGBTQ+ books chosen by Rice Pride Week committee members.
- Houston LGBTQ+ History Banners, Fondren Library and the Multicultural Center
- Houston’s long, rich LGBTQ+ history is featured through the incredible work of local historians Sara Fernandez, J.D. Doyle and Kirk Baxter in a presentation of selections from “The Banner Project” displayed around campus.
- Self-care Promotion, Smokin’ Mirrors Barbershop, 1617 Westheimer
- Rice faculty, staff and students will receive a $10 discount off services at the LGBTQ+-owned business Smokin’ Mirrors Barbershop with presentation of a Rice ID. Some walk-ins are available; book appointments on the Smokin’ Mirrors Barbershop website.
Monday, April 7
- Pride Week Brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Multicultural Center
- Kick off Pride Week in style with brunch, friends and good vibes. Campus and community partners will have a variety of resources available, including STI testing services.
- Allyship Bracelet Making, 3:30-5 p.m., Multicultural Center
- The only thing better than a friendship bracelet is a friendship bracelet that says “I’ve got your back” in your own way. Create some jewelry for a friend or yourself.
- LGBTQ Life After Rice: Rice Alumni Pride Panel, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Multicultural Center
- Join Rice Alumni Pride to learn more about life as an LGBTQ+ professional and community member.
Tuesday, April 8
- LGBTQ+ Allyship Training Lunch and Learn, 12-1:30 p.m., Multicultural Center
- Assistant director of LGBTQ+ Thriving Juliann Losey reviews the foundational tools of being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Lunch will be provided.
- Recovery Ally Training, 5-6 p.m., Room 160A, Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center
- Join the Rice Student Wellbeing Office to learn more about how recovery and substance use treatment can show up in your life and community. Addiction awareness and harm reduction is key to providing thoughtful, intersectional support to all in our community, and this session will provide resources to students, faculty and staff at Rice.
- SVHP Sexual Assault Awareness Panel, 6:30 p.m., Fondren Library
- Hosted by the Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy Commission, The SAFE Office’s Toni Miller will speak with guests about sexual assault awareness and prevention, including resources relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.
Wednesday, April 9
- Queer Questions of Faith Lunch and Learn, 12-1:30 p.m., Multicultural Center
- Join Pastor Morgan Gates, a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith spaces, for a discussion on faith, identity and belonging in LGBTQ+-affirming spiritual spaces. Lunch will be provided.
- Gender Reveal Party (With a Twist), 4-6 p.m., Multicultural Center
- Juliann Losey will lead a fun, insightful dive into gender euphoria, the history of gender and the pink tax — plus free cupcakes. This event is open to faculty, staff and students.
- Grad STRIVE: Painting and Cupcakes, 4-6 p.m., Valhalla
- Join Rice STRIVE, a student-driven coalition empowering all members of Rice’s community to play an active role in eliminating gender-based inequality and sexual violence, for an afternoon of camaraderie at Valhalla.
- Trans Women in Herstory, 5:15-6:15 p.m., Rice Memorial Center’s Miner Lounge
- To celebrate National Day of Transgender Visibility (March 31), SAFE’s Nadelyn Smith and Toni Miller discuss the history of powerful transgender women. The presentation will include current resources of support for the transgender community.
- Queer Beers, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Valhalla
- Come by Valhalla to enjoy free drinks and great company. Look for the table with the pride flags on it. All are welcome, allies included.
- Pride Trivia, 10 p.m., Willy’s Pub
- Test your knowledge on all things LGBTQ+: History, pop culture and literature are all on the board.
Thursday, April 10
- DIY Art de’Resistance with Tony’s Place, 4-6 p.m., Multicultural Center
- Join Tony’s Place, a Houston nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth, for a creative workshop on art as activism and an outlet for expression. Explore how art has been a powerful tool for queer resistance and self-expression.
Friday, April 11
- Rice Pride Drag Night, 8 p.m., Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center
- Join Rice PRIDE to experience the showstopping art of one of Rice’s own drag stars and three of Houston’s premier drag performers. This event is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.
Saturday, April 12
- Coalition for Trans Liberation meeting, 10 a.m., Houston In Action Headquarters, 5300 Caroline
- The Coalition for Trans Liberation Houston Chapter is hosting a meeting to build community, center Black TGI voices and introduce its plans for BIPOC transgender liberation in Houston. Prior registration is required.
- Rice PRIDE’s Third Annual Gayla and Awards Ceremony, 7:30- 8:30 p.m., Martel College Commons
- Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the final event of Pride Week, the annual Gayla. This business casual event celebrates our community and recognizes the incredible work done to support LGBTQ+ community members at Rice and beyond. Dinner and a photo booth will be available.
For more information about programs and services offered through the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, visit aie.rice.edu.