Friend,

I’m so saddened to have to write this.

Last weekend a mother of nine, business owner, and longtime LGBTQIA+ ally in Southern California was shot dead because she hung a pride flag in her storefront window.

“Every time someone ripped down the rainbow pride flag from the mag.pi clothing store in the San Bernardino Mountains of California, the store’s owner, Laura Ann Carleton, responded by putting up a bigger one.” - New York Times

Make no mistake, this hate crime is a direct result of the anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and rhetoric spewed by GOP lawmakers, Fox News, and other public figures over the past few years. 

As queer people, we’re used to the specter of violence inflamed by these forces.

But it’s so unsettling to see that risk of physical violence extend to our allies.

We cannot tolerate or harbor hate in this society.

America’s polarization can only be cured through love and acceptance. In these trying times we have to stick together, protect our allies, and strengthen our communities.

My heart goes out to all of Lauri’s children, her husband, the Lake Arrowhead LGBTQIA+ community, and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy.

Sincerely,

Maebe A. Girl