We've come a long way since then...
Rice University’s original LGBTQIA+ organization was formed in 1979, the same year as the first official Houston Pride Parade. The group’s founder, Annise Parker—later Houston’s Mayor—is pictured on the top row, fourth from the left. As indicated by the closet door on the organization's seal, it was a few more years before many of the members felt comfortable about coming out.
This image from the 1983 Rice yearbook, replete with humorous pseudonyms and bags on heads to preserve anonymity, is a far cry from the pride displayed by members of the group in its various later incarnations and off-shoots (Gays and Lesbians of Rice - GALOR, GATHER, Rice Gay and Lesbian Alumni - GALA, Rice Queers & Allies - Q&A) and the present day Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (oSTEM), Rice Alumni Pride (RAP), Rice Business Out and Allied, Rice Employee Pride (REP), Rice PRIDE (undergraduates) and Rice Queer Graduate Student Association (QGSA).
Documenting LGBTQIA+ History
In 2007, Rice University's Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality began working with undergraduates at Rice to collect oral histories documenting Houston’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ communities. Since then, more than 140 oral histories have been collected, many of which are archived at Rice’s Woodson Research Center. If you would like to be interviewed, or would like to suggest someone who should be interviewed, please let us know.