On Wednesday, August 23, Alan Carter walked into Mag.Pi, a lifestyle boutique in Studio City, carrying a bouquet of white hydrangeas wrapped in brown paper and polka-dotted cellophane. Carter, a 62-year-old gay disabled Black man, had never purchased flowers for someone he had never met before, but he felt compelled to pay tribute to the store’s owner, Laura Ann Carleton, who had been tragically shot and killed a few days earlier.
Carter had learned about Carleton’s death on the news. He was devastated by the loss of such a fierce ally to the LGBTQ community and a woman who had dedicated her life to championing for equality and acceptance. Carleton, a mother of nine children and a blended family, had always stood up for those who needed support. As someone who understood the value of having someone in his corner, Carter felt a deep connection to her and her cause.
The day Carter chose to visit Mag.Pi was also significant to him. It would have been his mother’s 95th birthday. Cleo, his first ally, had passed away 19 years ago, but her compassion and love had left a lasting impact on Carter. As he placed the bouquet of flowers behind a portrait of Carleton, he explained, “My mother was a fierce ally, too, and she didn’t care if you were gay, Black, Asian, Jewish, it didn’t matter. We grew up loving people, and she and my father taught us to love everyone on an individual basis.”
When Carter arrived at Mag.Pi, he found that the front entrance was blocked by a makeshift memorial. There were bouquets, rainbow flags, cards, candles, and heartfelt notes all left behind by people who wanted to honor Carleton’s memory. Annette Bening, an ally of the LGBTQ community and mother of a transgender son, had also left a colorful arrangement and a note signed, “Love & Peace.” The memorial not only mirrored the scene outside the Lake Arrowhead location but also the outpouring of condolences and sentiments online.
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Carleton had strong ties to Hollywood and the fashion community, having worked at renowned places like Fred Segal Feet, Joseph Magnin, and Kenneth Cole. Mag.Pi, her brainchild, was a reflection of her eclectic tastes and love for art, design, and architecture. The store, housed in a building by esteemed architect Rudolph Schindler, had become a local gem that curated and hand-selected a variety of items, including dresses, footwear, books, hats, and jewelry. Carleton’s Instagram account showcased her activism as well, highlighting important causes like animal rights, environmental protection, and social movements like the Women’s March.
People like Allison Janney, who had been a loyal customer of Mag.Pi, were devastated by Carleton’s death. Janney described the store as beautifully curated and praised Carleton for supporting local artists. The news of her tragic death was shocking, especially considering that Carleton had always been about lifting up her community, supporting her family, and spreading love.
As Carter placed his bouquet among the others, he met a woman named Maddie O’Hara. O’Hara was a childhood friend of Carleton’s youngest daughters and had known their mother for most of her life. She described Carleton as a second mom, always present, loving, and supportive. Carleton managed to balance the demands of motherhood, her business, and their second home in Lake Arrowhead effortlessly. O’Hara emphasized that Mag.Pi was a reflection of Carleton’s warmth, comfort, and eclectic taste. The store embodied her power and welcoming nature, creating a safe and inviting space for everyone.
The loss of Carleton was a devastating blow to her family, friends, and the entire community. Her murder highlighted the ongoing need for acceptance and understanding in society. It was a reminder that even those who spread love and support can become victims of hate. Carter’s small act of kindness, leaving flowers for someone he had never met, symbolized the unity and resilience of the LGBTQ community and their allies. It was a symbolic gesture of gratitude for Carleton’s sacrifices and a commitment to continue the fight for equality and justice.
