By KELLY DOLEJSI
FLAP

Why does a roaring lion symbolize LGBTQ+ pride? Renae Mitchell, who designed the logo for Friends of Los Alamos Pride’s (FLAP) annual Pride Fest merchandise this year, said members of the Pride community first came up with the slogan, “Fight for Your Pride”.

“It centered on a play on words that is both powerful and sincere,” Mitchell said. “I tried to capture this message in this illustration of a roaring lion who welcomes all with a colorful mane but will face intolerance with a roar. In doing so, the lion encourages all of us to embrace our community with pride.”

Mitchell donated the original artwork of the lion to FLAP to raffle off at the festival T-shirt table, and FLAP board member Melissa Mackey drew lucky winner Amy Mills’ name.

The June 16 Pride Festival drew large crowds and community support from dozens of local groups, including the local Democratic Party, Atomic Follies, Little Theatre, Derby Dames, several local churches and many others.

For more about the FLAP group, visit its Facebook page.