<p>Hi, I LOVE rice university but I'm openly gay. I'm pretty nervous. Many people have been telling me that Rice is pretty homophobic. Is it true? Would I have a hard time for being gay?
Would I be able to make friends? Date?</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>Hi! Well, I haven’t encountered very many homophobes in Houston. I’m not sure about Rice itself, though, but I don’t think it’s too conservative.</p>
<p>DCS1693 - From what I’ve heard Rice is pretty open and accepting of differences. People there pride themselves on being unique. Plus, it being located in Houston and having people come from all over, you don’t get as much of the homophobic attitude as you would in a small town.
On a side note, are you coming to rice next year? I just got my acceptance and am excited to talk to as many future classmates as I can (:</p>
<p>Who are these people telling you that? Rice is not homophobic. Rice has a very inclusive culture. It’s a very diverse school of people from around the world, different views, a spectrum of socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, etc. You would not have a hard time being YOURSELF at Rice. From my experience, all these aspects are second to the PERSON you are. I can guarantee you will not only make friends, but you will making these friends the first day you step on campus. Dating will be a little hard because of the size of Rice. It’s a small school, meaning a smaller gay population. But then again, you are in Houston, the 4th largest city in the country, so there is a larger gay population. </p>
<p>On a side note, the mayor of Houston is an open lesbian …and a Rice alum. That should tell you something.</p>
<p>PM me if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>I’m a gay high school junior, hoping to apply to Rice, and I’ve done A LOT of research on whether it was gay friendly or not. From what I’ve learned the people are extremely accepting, and there is little discrimination. Only bad part is that since the school is smaller, there are less gays, but still, ~3000 students, 1500 of your gender, if 5%-10% are gay that leaves 75-150 students that you’d have to choose from. Putting that in perspective, that’s bigger than my entire grade at the school I go to. Also, if you plan on going to a school that’s a similar size to Rice, you’ll have the same experience in regards to number so it shouldn’t matter. Good Luck :)</p>
<p>In my four years here, I’ve met ONE guy and ONE girl who have said vaguely homophobic things (both of whom would never do so to directly to someone they knew was gay, or with the intention of hurting feelings - and both of them got some raised eyebrows and a talking to afterwards). That’s it - and it’ll be hard to find fewer than that anywhere else. My two closest gay friends have each had two long-term relationships at Rice, for whatever that’s worth. Re: school size and the dating pool, if you think that isn’t also a problem for straight people here…hah</p>
<p>In addition to what has been said, there is also a group at Rice called Q&A (Queers and Allies).
Website: [Q&A:</a> Home](<a href=“http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~pride/index.html]Q&A:”>http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~pride/index.html)
Their website seems pretty outdated, but I’m guessing that the club is pretty active. Maybe a current Rice student could say more in regards to that.</p>
<p>They had a float in the 2009 Houston Pride Parade. Mayor/Alum Annise Parker (as mentioned above, also a lesbian) stopped by to say hey. Pictures: PM me for the Facebook link.</p>
<p>edit: That took place in the middle of summer, hence the low attendance</p>
<p>Queers and Allies is a really strong, active group here with many members.</p>
<p>Houston’s mayor is a lesbian, and is really popular throughout the area.</p>
<p>Rice’s student body as a whole is incredibly accepting; this includes homosexuals, people of all races, introverts, etc. You will not be judged at all by your sexuality. I can’t speak for the gay dating scene, but I assure you that you will be perfectly accepted and shouldn’t have a hard time at all. I don’t know where the stories about Rice being homophobic came from, honestly.</p>
<p>I think it has been covered very well by the above posters. I have no seen anyone act homophobic or there be any form of tension about it. You do whatever you want and all will be good.</p>
<p>Thank you guys! You just made my day!! RiceHopeful2012, I haven’t applied to Rice yet. I was kinda scared about this aspect, but thank you all!!! If I get in, I’ll let you know!</p>
<p>Rice is an awesome place that you will enjoy being at. Good Luck!</p>