Lauri Carleton. RIP
Today, the Los Angeles LGBT Center and Flags for Good unfurled a new commemorative banner honoring Lauri Carleton, the shop owner and Lake Arrowhead community member who was tragically shot and killed for displaying a Pride flag in front of her store.
Carleton, an unwavering ally, is one of too many people who have lost their lives due to violence that targets LGBTQ+ people. To help honor her memory and encourage allies to be active in creating safe spaces, the Center collaborated with Flags for Good on a rainbow banner bearing the symbol of the magpie—after her store name—as a dedication to Carleton’s life and legacy. Proceeds from the purchase will benefit the Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ Fund, a local organization that’s helping the local community thrive.
“I assure you that the Center won’t be stopping here. Right-wing extremists have brought this fight to our doorstep, and let me promise you this: we are answering their knock at our door—and we will be greeting them with the strength that our community is known for,” said Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “I hope we can rely on you to join us in the fight.”
Carleton’s decision to hang the Pride Flag—a symbol of resistance for the community since the early Pride demonstrations of the ’70s—comes at a moment when national retail chains like Target, Starbucks, and even Cinnabon have reportedly decided to halt their Pride displays. Carleton’s tragic loss to hate-related violence is, unfortunately, part of a growing backlash to the LGBTQ+ movement in the United States. This uptick in violence is accompanied by more than 700 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced throughout the country, most of which seek to curb the civil rights of transgender people and queer youth.
“Flying a flag is a way to show pride in your identity, but also show solidarity in trying times. As much as we prefer to make flags that do the former, we’re proud to partner with organizations like the Los Angeles LGBT Center when flags can be used to respond to a tragedy like this,” said Michael Green, Flags For Good owner.
The tragedy has made national news and shaken the Lake Arrowhead community, leaving fellow shop owners shocked and concerned. Carleton is survived by her husband, Bort Carleton, and their blended family of nine children.
To submit an order for the Magpie Pride Flag, visit flagsforgood.com/products/magpie-pride-flag
