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In 1996 NYPD officer Johnston pulled me over for failing to signal. After looking at me he called me a faggot and to told me to get out of my car. He referred to me as faggot several more times and said when he’s through I’ll never be allowed to drive again. While waiting at the
back of my car he summoned several other officers over (2 or 3 more squad cars had showed up.) He called me over to the group of laughing police officers and told me to hold out my hands to show everyone a “faggot’s nails”. (They were polished black.)
I remember being made to show every officer my hands while they circled around me and not one of them stopped the harassment. Instead they chimed in with laughter and name calling. At the first court hearing officer Johnston and several others showed up and continued their
laughter in court! It was surreal. By the end of the ordeal I lost my drivers license for a year and although my father wanted to press charges against the NYPD, I did not because at the time my mom was nervous that the case would draw media attention and attention to the fact
that I am gay. Yes, the 90s were very time from what we’re used to now. The ordeal left me scarred and scared for a very long time. If only I had the strength then that I have now, I would have pursued legal action against the NYPD and walked away with a nice little sum of money.
I bring up this story every year during Pride month to remind everyone that allies are always needed and this is the reason we march! Please continue your support of the LGBTQ community. #Pride2023
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