Survivor Stories

When I was younger, I used to take walks at night. On several occasions, the same sheriff’s deputy would stop me — asking me friendly questions. But once he realized I was gay, he became threatening. He told me that if I didn’t reach in the car and touch him, he would arrest me on fabricated charges. I did as he ordered. Once I stopped taking the walks, he targeted my brother. He harassed my brother, and arrested him on false charges. The sheriff’s office where the deputy worked has since been under countless abuse investigations, and some were in the newspapers.

The incident had me afraid for my family — and caused me to have panic attacks. I think I was targeted because at the time I was 18 years old and I’m gay.

— Jarvey, Florida