Passing the Pitchfork

By KJ Philp, September 2016 Issue.

Manuel Lucero, LGBT Devils' Pride president. Photo by KJ Philp.

Having grown up in Phoenix, Manuel Lucero  spent his high school years at Camelback High School, where he graduated in 2009.

He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Arizona State University in 2013, which is also the year he joined LGBT Devil’s Pride.

As a part of this chapter of the ASU Alumni Association, he served as the board secretary for three years. During that time, he also completed his master’s degree in business management from the W.P. Carey School of Business.

This fall, heading into his fourth year with LGBT Devils’ Pride, will be a bit different for Lucero. In May, he was elected as the chapter’s president for the 2016-2017 school year and he just took office in July.

Echo Magazine caught up with Lucero, ahead of the fall semester, to find out more about what he has in store for LGBT Devils’ Pride in the coming year.

Echo: What is the mission of the LGBT Devils’ Pride Chapter?

Lucero: Devils’ Pride connects alumni in all walks of life, and also helps support the success of current LGBTQA Sun Devils.

Echo:What prompted your initial move to become involved as president?

Lucero: After serving as secretary for three years, I was ready to lead the group in a new direction.

Echo:Did you have to put forth a platform of new ideas, initiatives, plans or intentions for this group?

Lucero: Yes. The previous president did a fantastic job of connecting us with the [LGBTQ] community and making us well known. However, we did not have enough diversification within the group. We hope to involve a much wider spectrum of the community in the coming year, and involve both small and large community partners as well.

Echo:What were the top three things you value about LGBT Devils’ Pride, prior to taking on the role of president?

Lucero: Our board of directors: a wonderful group of committed individuals. Our members: we exist to bring ASU alums together, and it is wonderful to see our members join us at events. Our scholarship program: awarding current ASU LGBTQA students scholarships makes our mission more valuable and worthwhile.

Echo:What are the top three things you’d like to see change or improve now, as the president?

Lucero: I hope to increase our membership and continue to bring awareness [of] the organization. We provide a great space for ASU LGBTQA alumni, and I hope more people will join us to enjoy what we have to offer.

Echo:Describe the value of LGBT Devils’ Pride when it comes to business and community networking.

Lucero: Our members represent a wide array of industries [and] many of our members are long-time professionals. Our mixers and events throughout the year not only bring members together, but also allows for organic networking to occur. Many times I have seen true partnerships come together through our organization. The ability to meet at an alumni group fosters a sense of commonality, so networking is not only easier, but occurs much faster.

Echo:What else does LGBT Devils’ Pride do throughout the year?

Lucero: We host meet ups/events/mixers once a month … We participate in the AIDS Walk [and] we have previously sponsored different LGBT events. We also host an annual scholarship dinner in March. We award scholarships to current LGBTQA ASU students, and the dinner in March not only serves as the award ceremony for the students, but also serves as our key fundraiser for the following year’s scholarships.

Echo:Why is being involved in this capacity important to you?

Lucero: We are a community organization made up of community members. We value our community, and thus, we are proud to partner with groups and support groups who make a difference. As we award scholarships to current students and bring together alumni, we hope to be playing a key role in unifying a big part of our community her in Arizona.

Echo:Why is it important to have LGBT alumni included under the umbrella of the ASU Alumni Association?

Lucero: We have a lot to offer. Just as every other alumni group, we serve an important role in representing a group of alumni from Arizona State University.

Echo:If you had one message to relay to LGBTQ ASU alumni who are not chapter members, what would it be?

Lucero: Getting involved is very easy, and it’s fun! You can join us at a mixer, attend an event or volunteer with us. We bring alumni together. The more the merrier; we have something for everyone.

For more information on LGBT Devils’ Pride, including monthly events, visit alumni.asu.edu/chapters/lgbt-devils-pride or facebook.com/lgbtdpc.

Keep readingShow less
WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less