Lulus Voices: 15 LGBTQIA+ LuCrew Members Share Advice, Inspiration, and How They Celebrate Pride

Starting with the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, the entire month of June is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, supporting LGBTQIA+ rights, and amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices. Though inclusivity is a year-round thing at Lulus, we recognize the importance of Pride Month in particular–and want to thank the courageous individuals who made it what it is today.

This year, Lulus is to proud to make a $5,000 donation to The Trevor Project. Chosen for this donation by our LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group, The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people. To learn more about their life-saving mission, please visit www.TheTrevorProject.org.

We’re also giving a special shout out to all of our LGBTQIA+ employees–a few of whom are featured ahead. Read on to see how our LuCrew celebrates Pride, who inspires them, and the advice they have for LGBTQIA+ individuals starting their careers.

And whether you work with us or shop from us, know that we stand with you–365 days a year.

Elizabeth Arias (She/They), Fulfillment Team Member

Elizabeth has been at Lulus for four years. She lives with her wife, Cindy, and their three dogs and three cats in Chico, CA. Their days off include many ‘grandma activities’ like gardening, crocheting, and walking aimlessly around the park. (She’s pretty sure she’s actually 70.)

How I celebrate my pride: I celebrate my pride by living as my authentic self every day–and buying the tackiest shirts I find while thrifting. If it gives me a headache to look at, I want it (laughs)!

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: Last year I had a coworker excited to show me a picture of two girls holding hands on our homepage during pride month. I thought it was sweet that they thought to share that with me so I could see myself being represented in our company.

My career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Don’t be afraid to quit. Don’t waste your time at a job that doesn’t value you and treat you as an asset.

LGBTQIA+ role model: Bob the Drag Queen, co-founder of Black Queer Town Hall and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 8, is someone I look up to greatly. Even when making me laugh until I’m gasping, they teach me useful communication tools that have strengthened my relationships.

Queer anthem: “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko

Cameo Russo (She/Her), Customer Service Agent

Cameo has been with Lulus for nine months. She is bisexual and proud! She lives in Long Beach, California, where you can usually catch her roller skating by the beach or doing yoga in her free time.

How I celebrate my pride: Pride is pretty big here, so my friends and I spend the weekend dressing up and going dancing in West Hollywood and Long Beach! Due to COVID safety guidelines, there hasn’t been a Pride in two years, so I’m especially excited to celebrate this one out and proud!

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: Lulus’ inclusivity and positivity have made me feel so welcome–I feel proud to be a part of the LuCrew! From managers to coworkers, the support has such a far reach.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Apply to work at Lulus (laughs)! But seriously, be yourself and let your personality shine. The right people will have your back.

LGBTQIA+ role model: My queer role model is my best friend, Andrew. He came from a religious background and still found the strength to be openly gay and himself at an early age! He’s always spreading love.

Queer Anthem: “Coconuts” by Kim Petras

Kris Wilkins (He/Him), Desktop Support Technician II

Kris has been with Lulus for one year. His hobbies include tabletop games, anything with two wheels, playing music, and exploration. 

How I celebrate my pride: I try to be the person for others that I wish a past version of myself had in his life.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: Lulus has been a very inclusive, patient, and understanding place to work. I feel very welcome and appreciated.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Be honest with yourself and others as often as you feel you can. Integrity and accountability will take you where you want to be.

LGBTQIA+ role model: My dearest friend, Lux, has guided me into situations that allowed me to discover more about myself in a safe and inclusive way and has introduced me to the most incredible people. I literally would not be here today without Lux.

Queer Anthem: “I Felt Free” by Circa Survive

Stefani Amaya (She/Her), Customer Service Agent

Stefani has been with Lulus for two and a half years. 

How I celebrate my pride: I love to go back and watch movies and shows like Paris is Burning, Pose, and Veneno to see all the queer icons doing the community a favor and showing our lives–the good and bad parts of them. Having representation out there is the most encouraging thing for me to be able to walk out the door every day!

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: I’ve been able to start my transition while working for Lulus. It has been such an amazing experience! I have been able to move along just like any other day.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: It can be very scary starting a career, especially with the thoughts that will pop into your head. Be your most confident self and go with the flow! Believe in yourself and others will, too.

LGBTQIA+ role model: I’ve always looked up to strong women–like the one and only Dolly Parton! She teaches how you can make the most out of nothing and still live like you own it all.

Queer Anthem: “On the Radio” by Donna Summer

Klaudia Banks (in drag)/Kar Solorio (out of drag) (They/Them), Community Engagement Coordinator

Klaudia/Kar has been with Lulus for three and a half years. They reside in Northern California and love playing with makeup and the art of drag.

How I celebrate my pride: I love celebrating Pride by surrounding myself with queer artists, friends, and allies.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: Throughout my time here, I have felt not only seen but celebrated and uplifted in who I am. I have always been provided a safe place to express myself and thankfully, that has allowed me to figure out who I am.

My coworkers in CS were the first people I felt comfortable telling my preferred pronouns. Some people experience figuring out their identity in the dark and alone, but due to my support system at work, I was able to do it without fear.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: When you feel ready and safe to come out, be yourself. I have found success in doing so as the right people have gravitated toward me. Your individuality is one of the most powerful tools you have.

LGBTQIA+ role model: My queer role model has to be Cristina Ortiz Rodriguez, known as La Veneno. La Veneno was one of the first transgender women to become widely known in Spain, and she is recognized as a pioneering trans icon. Cristina had a difficult life, but she always stood firm in who she was, fought until the end, and never gave up.

Queer Anthem: “About Damn Time” by Lizzo

Alyssa Ojeda (She/Her), Fulfillment Team Member

Alyssa has been with Lulus for just over a year.

How I celebrate my pride: I honestly don’t do much except be myself. It took a while for me to become comfortable with who I am and to be proud of it–and now I just embrace it.

I also went to a Pride festival a couple of years ago; once COVID happened it has been harder to be able to do that, but I hope to go again soon. I have rainbow Pride Adidas that I also like to wear the entire month of June in honor of Pride.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: Everyone here at Lulus is very accepting. Working for this company makes me feel like I don’t have to hide who I am and I can openly be myself. It is such a great environment, and such a good feeling knowing that I can go to work and be supported by everyone around me.

My career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: It can be scary starting a career, especially if you don’t know anyone. But at the end of the day, just be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or feel the need to hide who you are. Also, try and make some friends in the same community and just surround yourself with kind and supportive people.

LGBTQIA+ role model: Harry Styles. He has such a carefree personality and doesn’t follow “society norms,” he is just himself and does what makes him happy. He is also very open about loving everyone and treating people with kindness. I just think he’s great.

Queer anthem: “Girls Girls Girls” by Fletcher or “Medicine” by Harry Styles

Omar Hernandez (He/Him), Community Engagement Coordinator

Omar has been with Lulus for three and a half years, A native of Northern California, he enjoys photography, CrossFit, and traveling.

How I celebrate my pride: I celebrate my pride by staying connected and involved in the queer community of Chico, CA.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member:  Working at Lulus has been such a cool experience. I have been working at Lulus for over three years now and I have enjoyed seeing the company grow and implement actions in support of diversity. It’s a place where everyone is represented and everyone has a voice.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Make sure that you partner with a company with which you feel aligned, and that is openly supporting you and your growth.

LGBTQIA+ role model: My boyfriend is my biggest role model. We met in 2014, a few months after his coming out to his family and friends. Throughout the last eight years, I have been a part of him learning to live so unapologetically himself that you can’t help but be inspired.

Queer Anthem: “Love Myself” by Olivia O’Brien

Presley Cole (She/Her), Stylist

Presley has been with Lulus for almost four years. She is currently living in Chico, CA, and loving life!

How I celebrate my pride: I celebrate my pride by being my most authentic self around others!

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member:  Lulus has made me feel included and welcome throughout my time working here. I have never felt afraid of being my true self while being an employee here.

My career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Use other people’s doubts as fuel to pursue your goals with people who do accept you!

LGBTQIA+ role model: Kehlani: They live securely in who they are and it’s amazing to see how much growth they have gone through! It’s fascinating watching someone you look up to feel so powerful as who they are.

Queer anthem: Anything from Kehlani’s new album, Blue Water Road 

Patrick Anderson (He/Him), Vice President, General Merchandise Manager

Patrick has been with Lulus for two years and nine months. He currently lives in Los Angeles but is a native of Minnesota. He loves to travel and is a huge fan of beach and poolside destinations, but also really enjoys exploring Europe. He is an avid reader and will from time to time play the piano to relax or disconnect. He’s a huge supporter of the arts and will never turn down a Broadway musical or a night at the symphony. 

How I celebrate my pride: Being true to who I am and showing up as my authentic self everywhere, and with everyone.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: Lulus wholeheartedly supports individuality and diversity. One of our core values, “All-Voices” is a reflection of our inclusivity and how we prioritize creating a sense of belonging for everyone that becomes part of the LuCrew.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Be your true self always. Focus on being inquisitive, humble, and passionate, and never be afraid to be bold and courageous with your ideas.

LGBTQIA+ role model: I don’t have a specific role model but more so have an overwhelming level of gratitude and respect for those that have been or continue to be trailblazers.  These individuals have had to be so courageous and committed to making the world a better place for our community to feel safe, supported, and ultimately thrive.

Queer Anthem: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Kasandra Partain (She/Her), Creative Samples Coordinator

Kasandra has been with Lulus for six years. She’s a bisexual Chico, CA local who runs her own production company, Atalanta Productions, producing and promoting the art and talent of our local community. The most recent Atalanta production to note is The Stardust Revue, a bi-monthly drag and burlesque show. Theater and dance are Kasandra’s life, and the stage is where she feels the most accepted and safe as an LGBTQIA+ community member.

How I celebrate my pride: Every year I perform at some sort of show during Pride, Dancing for the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. I surround myself with my queens and kings to dance and drag our way through Pride Month. 

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: I feel so supported in the creative department here. When Pride came around last year, everyone in our department celebrated with me. They asked questions and just generally said, “We see you, we care, we are here for you.” I felt so seen. It was great! 

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Be proud of who you are, advocate for yourself, and don’t forget to breathe. 

LGBTQIA+ role model: Kate McKinnon–her confidence and performances give me the best motivation to keep on going! 

Queer Anthem: “Keep It Gay” from the Tony Award-winning musical, The Producers, or “Kiwi” by Harry Styles

Joey Moshiri (He/Him/They/Them/She/Her/Whatever), Photo Retoucher

Joey has been with Lulus for five years and is a filmmaker, actor, director, and photographer.

How I celebrate my pride: I help plan local events for the community to enjoy.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: I’ve never felt like I’ve had to hide who I am here. I will always remember wearing a dress to the office and having a coworker’s child ask why I was in a dress. The answer I gave was, “Sometimes boys wear dresses.”

Then, their mom had that learning conversation with them right then and there. I just recently found out that child is now a teenager who identifies as nonbinary, and it warms my heart to have been a stepping stone on their journey.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: The door to the closet door has been broken! Be you–unapologetically.

LGBTQIA+ role model: Tim Curry. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without The Rocky Horror Picture Show; it got me involved in theater and helped me embrace every aspect of myself. “Don’t dream it, be it.”

Queer Anthem: “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred

Aubrey Collins (She/Her), Fulfillment Team Member

How I celebrate my pride: I celebrate Pride through parades or by going to the “gayborhood” in Philadelphia with my wife, my twin, and her girlfriend. We also celebrate with other friends from the community out on the town.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: Lulus allows employees to show their pride and true selves without putting any limitations on their expressions of self.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: My advice would be to keep your head held high and don’t care what others say. Just be you, love yourself, and keep going. There will be challenges but that, too, shall pass.

LGBTQIA+ role model: I would say, my mom. She did so much to support my sisters and me as we traversed through teenage and young adult years as bisexual and lesbian females in a world that can be dangerous to those in the community.

Queer Anthem: “Slumber Party” by Ashnikko

Mallory Newman (She/Her), Creative Services Assistant, and Brad (He/Him)

Mallory has been with Lulus for six years. She is the proud mama of a trans (FTM) teen boy named Brad and a pup named Tyrone. They are thrill-seekers, always ready for the next adventure, whether that be on the biggest roller coaster or at home in the kitchen whipping up the newest trending recipes. You can find them loving on their family, going on nature walks or coffee runs, crafting their little hearts out, and binging anything Gordan Ramsey in their downtime.

How we celebrate pride: We love a good trip to my hometown San Francisco! Every summer, I take Brad there and we celebrate Pride with our friends and family. We also celebrate Pride daily in our household, not just in June! Typically that means a Taylor Swift or Harry Styles dance-off, where we shake off any bad feelings from the day and absorb all the good energy the universe has to offer.

How we feel celebrated at Lulus: The Lulus community has supported Brad and me since the very beginning of our journey. My co-workers have always uplifted us, going above and beyond to include and praise Brad for being just who he is, making him feel like he belonged and was one of the cool kids (because he is)! 

My career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Don’t make yourself smaller to fit in! You are exactly who and what this universe needs you to be. Be genuine and open from day one–there is nothing people respect more than being true to yourself.

LGBTQIA+ role model: Sam Collins is my son’s role model! He is a trans (FTM) YouTuber; he is funny, and authentic and really offered comfort and support to my son through his videos during a time that was not easy for Brad.

Queer anthem: “Born This Way (The Country Road Version)” by Orville Peck! We are huge Lady Gaga and Orville Peck fans in this house, so this song really sings to us.

Jade T. (She/Her), Personal Stylist

Jade has been with Lulus for five years. She currently resides in California. When she’s not working to provide a better life for her cat, Solomon, she loves trying unique recipes from Pinterest, taking solo trips to farmers markets, and going to ballroom dance social events. 

How I celebrate my pride: I absolutely love going to Pride events because it’s a great way to meet others in the community! I also take the opportunity to celebrate my most authentic self by styling fun and unique outfits for the occasion.

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: One of my favorite things about Lulus is how inclusive and accepting we are as a company. I came out while working at Lulus; the company culture created an environment where I feel safe and supported while navigating my sexuality.

I also appreciate the LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group hosting events for queer employees. Additionally, the broader support for our community is evident in department communication, as pronouns are consistently visible beside each team member’s name.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: Regardless of how we identify, I think it’s important to make certain our values align with any company we choose to work for. A great way to make sure of this is to research a company prior to applying and if applicable, ask about company culture during the interview process to determine whether it’s a good fit.

LGBTQIA+ role model: I think Jojo Siwa is a great role model for LGBTQIA+ youth because she is unapologetically herself. I also love that she brought queer visibility to ballroom dancing!

Queer Anthem: “She” by Dodie or “Honey” by Kehlani

Kyle has been with Lulus for five and a half years. He was born and raised in Northern California and hosts local drag shows in Chico, CA. He has six nieces and nephews that he steals love from all the time–because Guncle life is the best life! He loves trying new foods, and never takes anything too seriously (unless it’s work, of course).

How I celebrate my pride: Every day! I am a local drag performer here in Chico (her name is Charity), so I like to help the local LGBTQIA+ organization with their Pride festivities and raise money for our community. I am very excited for this year since everything is coming back in full swing!

How I feel working at Lulus as an LGBTQIA+ community member: I have never worked in a place that has been so accepting of my authentic self! My coworkers and bosses have been to a couple of drag shows that I have participated in. Every Halloween, I like to come dressed in drag to work and it is always a great time! There is a level of mutual respect for people’s authenticity here that I have never seen before.

Career advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community: You will never get in trouble for taking the high road. Of all of your coworkers, be the most professional and respectful. Actions dictate reputation. Essentially, let your actions be your barrier of Teflon to where no bad word or mark can stick to you. Also, be yourself. Don’t let your personality be stifled–you can only be you!

LGBTQIA+ role model: I have always looked up to my older cousin, Maria, as a role model. She is a queer woman living in the Bay Area with her partner of over 20 years.

Growing up, I felt pretty isolated since I did not feel like I could be myself in my environment. Maria is the only other gay person in my family who is out. Growing up, I always looked at her as the courageous and bold one. She showed me that being gay was perfectly acceptable, and you can live a successful life being exactly who you are.

Queer Anthem: I am a sucker for Kylie Minogue. “Get Outta My Way” is my favorite!