Equality California on Hate-Motivated Murder in Lake Arrowhead

Laura "Lauri" Ann Carleton, 66, was a staunch LGBTQ+ ally; leaves behind a husband and nine children.

LAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to a violent shooting that occurred in Lake Arrowhead on Friday, August 18 at the Mag Pi clothing store that took the life of business owner and LGBTQ+ ally Laura "Lauri" Ann Carleton:

"We join countless others in mourning the loss of Lauri Carleton - wife, mother of nine, and business owner - who took particular pride in being an outspoken ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Our condolences are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Over the past year, we have seen a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric being expressed by far right extremists and hate groups - rhetoric which has resulted in physical intimidation, harassment, and acts of violence. From a Pride flag being burned in front of Saticoy Elementary School to fistfights breaking out at a Glendale Unified School Board meeting to the windows of an open and affirming Lutheran church in Fresno being shattered, these extremists have shown up in greater and greater numbers with the intent of advancing their hateful agenda. The perpetrator in this violent incident made several hateful remarks about the Pride flag displayed in the store before he acted.

We have also seen politicians push an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda right here in California. Just this year, elected officials in Orange County, Huntington Beach, and Redlands have banned the flying of the Pride flag. School boards in Chino Valley and Murrieta Valley have put transgender students in harm's way by passing forced outing policies similar to failed legislation introduced in the California Assembly. The actions of these elected officials are dangerous and they have consequences.

Let's be clear - Lauri Carleton was a victim of the hate-filled calls to action made by politicians and extremists that continue to push false narratives and misinformation about the LGBTQ+ community. Her unwavering commitment to standing for the dignity and respect of LGBTQ+ people is a testament to her kindness and humanity, and will always be remembered.

More than 350 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents occurred from June 2022 to April 2023, accompanied by the introduction of more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation introduced across the country in 2023 alone. This hate does not happen in a vacuum - it is all part of a backlash to the advances made by the LGBTQ+ community. We must continue to stand against this rising tide of hatred."

Equality California will continue to work toward building a just and fully equal society for all LGBTQ+ people. Equality California joins the Lake Arrowhead community in encouraging people to fly their Pride flags in Lauri's honor.

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org