David Gurzenski-Lukes

David Gurzenski-Lukes has a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism from Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. He has a long career as an editor and communications professional for a number of universities, including UCLA. He was a publications editor for United Way of Greater Los Angeles and community relations director for Pacific Beach Community Hospital in San Diego, California. Since David has been retired, he has written a book, "A Gay Grandfather Grows Up," which details his difficult coming-out journey. While David has only been an Erie resident for a short period, he is already involved with various local organizations, including Aging With Pride. He has two daughters with professional careers. Jennifer is an attorney in Washington, DC, and Julie is a computer programmer in Jupiter, Florida. He also has two grandsons. Drew is a pilot with American Airlines, and Jake is a student at Florida State University.

Articles (8)

February, 2026

Last month's LGBT Fund event considered a major success

It was billed as a Community Convening that took place on January 13 at the Erie Community Foundation. Organized by the LGBT Fund of the Foundation, the event brought together leaders of local organizations, businesses, religious congregations, and others who serve and support the Erie region's LGBTQ+ community.

December, 2025

Mark Hoovler named to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council

Mark Hoovler has been appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to Pennsylvania's Long-Term Care Council. The council provides recommendations to improve regulations, licensing, financing and the delivery of long-term care services to the state's elderly.

November, 2025

Get ready for the 26th Annual Lake Erie Gala

The Erie Sisters and Brothers 26th Annual Lake Erie Gala takes place November 12th through 16th at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. The event attracts crossdressers, transgender people, their loved ones, and friends from throughout Erie, the surrounding cities, and even other states. The gala originated at the historic Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs. However, in 1917, a kitchen fire broke out and engulfed the 132-year-old building in flames.

The film "Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine" comes to town

In October of 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally beaten and murdered. Matthew was tied to a split-rail fence, where two men savagely assaulted him with the butt of a pistol and left him alone to die in a deserted field. The event underscored the issue of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in America. On September 20, 2025, a group gathered at the Luther Memorial Church in Erie to watch the documentary, "Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine," in which several of Matthew's close friends shared how this special young man impacted their lives. The film shows graphic photos taken of Matthew after he was beaten, and the news coverage that followed the tragedy.

October, 2025

Alejandra J-Love is Miss Erie 2025

Katherine Glamour and Morticia Monroe taking the honor. During the evening, special recognition was given to Katrina Twerk Island, Miss Erie 2024, for her many appearances in various surrounding communities in the last year.

August, 2025

Katrina Twerk Island: Miss Erie 2024 reflects on her year she wore the crown

"My goals as Miss Erie were to unite, demonstrate kindness, encourage, as well as make the Miss Erie Pageant visible to Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. I feel I accomplished these goals. I worked very hard to do so. I am proud and honored to hold the title of Miss Erie. Erie was the place of my first ever appearance as Katrina Twerk Island. I encourage the next Miss Erie to be kind and respectful to your community and beyond.

July, 2025

Applications for the Miss Erie Pageant are Due August 17

Have you decided on a dress yet? It's never too early to get your creative mind going. To be considered for the title of Miss Erie 2025-26, you must submit your application by August 17. The application fee is $50.

Why I'm celebrating Gay Pride Month

Here it is again - Gay Pride Month in America, or I should say the world. I'm hearing about so many Gay Pride events going on in major cities in other countries. Who would have thought we would have made such major strides since Stonewall? It is wonderful to see so many gay teenagers today who accept themselves for who they are, and that their families accept them as well.