Rice University will celebrate joy, resilience and community during its annual Pride Week, a campuswide tradition dedicated to highlighting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s theme, Pride, Not Prejudice, was chosen to honor the history of the LGBTQ+ movement while raising awareness about issues that continue to impact the community’s lives today.
Although Pride Month is traditionally observed in June, Rice hosts Pride Week each spring to ensure students, faculty and staff can fully participate before the academic year concludes.
“Rice Pride Week is more than a celebration — it’s a powerful affirmation of belonging,” said Anya Tsang, assistant director in the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence. “It creates space for our community to come together in joy, reflection and action, reminding us that inclusion is not just a value we speak about but one we actively practice. By uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and experiences, we strengthen the bonds that make Rice a more compassionate, connected and courageous campus for all.”
The week features a diverse event lineup to foster connection, encourage meaningful dialogue and create welcoming spaces where all identities are affirmed and celebrated.
Programming includes the following:
Available all week: March 2-7
- Pride, Not Prejudice Book Display, Fondren Library Academic Quad entrance
- Fondren Library’s book display features LGBTQ+ books on this year's theme, chosen by Rice Pride Week committee members.
- Fondren Library’s book display features LGBTQ+ books on this year's theme, chosen by Rice Pride Week committee members.
- Chalk on the Sidewalk, Multicultural Center
- Decorate the sidewalk in front of the MCC with LGBTQ+ affirming messages, or simply doodle whatever comes to mind. Chalk will be held behind the door to the courtyard of the MCC.
Monday, March 2
- Pride Week Kickoff, 3-5 p.m., Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center
- Start Rice Pride Week with a celebration. Students, faculty and staff are invited to learn more about community partners and their services, take part in arts and crafts activities and enjoy a drag performance. Arrive early to receive a free Rice Pride Week 2026 T-shirt.
Tuesday, March 3
- LGBTQ+ Allyship Placard Training, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Zoom
- A two-hour workshop for faculty and staff to learn how to become better allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Those who attend all two hours are given a placard to showcase their allyship. Email Anya Tsang at at273@rice.edu for more information.
- A two-hour workshop for faculty and staff to learn how to become better allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Those who attend all two hours are given a placard to showcase their allyship. Email Anya Tsang at at273@rice.edu for more information.
- Hangout at the MCC, 3-5 p.m., Multicultural Center
- Join the AIE Student Engagement team at the Multicultural Center for light bites and conversations with fellow community members.
- Join the AIE Student Engagement team at the Multicultural Center for light bites and conversations with fellow community members.
- Moody Project Wall Exhibition, 6-8 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts
- After a brief presentation on the history and ongoing legacy of Town Meeting 1, including an introduction to the symposia, installations and cross-community initiatives making up Town Meeting 1978-2028, participants will identify resonant stories and images. Any participants who decide to contribute or help identify stories, histories or objects will receive a limited-edition print documenting the installation, created by the artists.
Wednesday, March 4
- Being LGBTQ+ in the Workplace Panel, 6-8:30 p.m., hybrid including Nancy and Peter Huff House and Zoom
- Alumni, students, parents and friends are invited to join for a panel discussing experiences of fellow Owls navigating the workplace as LGBTQ+ people. For those joining in-person, socialize before the panel while enjoying dinner and beverages. Register here.
- Alumni, students, parents and friends are invited to join for a panel discussing experiences of fellow Owls navigating the workplace as LGBTQ+ people. For those joining in-person, socialize before the panel while enjoying dinner and beverages. Register here.
- Pride Trivia, 8-10 p.m., Willy’s Pub
- Test your knowledge on all things LGBTQ+ including history, pop culture and literature.
Thursday, March 5
- LGBTQ+ Research Panel, 4-5 p.m., Miner Lounge, Ley Student Center
- Learn about the dynamic and nuanced world of LGBTQ+ research. The Pride Committee and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry are co-sponsoring a panel featuring lightning talks from faculty and staff engaging in LGBTQ+ research. This workshop will cover subjects ranging from research topics, engaging in research as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and reflections on queer teaching practices.
- Learn about the dynamic and nuanced world of LGBTQ+ research. The Pride Committee and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry are co-sponsoring a panel featuring lightning talks from faculty and staff engaging in LGBTQ+ research. This workshop will cover subjects ranging from research topics, engaging in research as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and reflections on queer teaching practices.
- REPPN Happy Hour, 4-7 p.m., The Owl Bar; 2424 Dunstan, Suite 150
- All Rice faculty, staff and postdoctoral researchers are invited to a happy hour off campus. Enjoy after hour bites and community and learn more about REPPN.
Friday, March 6
- Rice Pride Week Parade, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Sallyport, Founder’s Court and Ray Courtyard
- Rock the rainbow colors and celebrate Pride Week loudly and proudly. Gather at the Sallyport and Founder’s Court to listen to keynote speakers about why civic engagement for the LGBTQ+ movement is essential and how to participate. Afterward, walk to Ray Courtyard for light bites and refreshments.
- Rock the rainbow colors and celebrate Pride Week loudly and proudly. Gather at the Sallyport and Founder’s Court to listen to keynote speakers about why civic engagement for the LGBTQ+ movement is essential and how to participate. Afterward, walk to Ray Courtyard for light bites and refreshments.
- Rice PRIDE Drag Night, 7-9 p.m., Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center
- Join Rice PRIDE to experience the showstopping art of three of Houston’s premier drag performers. This event is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.
- Join Rice PRIDE to experience the showstopping art of three of Houston’s premier drag performers. This event is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.
- Rice PRIDE Pub Night, 10 p.m.-12 a.m., Willy’s Pub
- Stick around for a nightcap and socialize with the Owl community.
Saturday, March 7
- Rice PRIDE’s Fourth Annual Gayla and Awards Ceremony, 6-9 p.m., Duncan Hall, McMurtry Auditorium
- Students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend the final event of Pride Week, the annual Gayla. This formal event celebrates and recognizes the incredible work done to support LGBTQ+ community members at Rice and beyond.
For more information about programs and services offered through the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, visit aie.rice.edu/rice-pride-week-2026.