Living in Florida, I never expected that my fiancé and I would become targets of harassment simply because we are an interracial couple. Yet, that is exactly the situation we find ourselves in—harassed relentlessly by a tenant in the neighboring house. The irony? The person behind this hostility is a Black lesbian, someone who, given her own marginalized identity, should understand the pain of discrimination.
Our experience has been a sobering lesson in the reality of law enforcement, self-defense, and the importance of documentation. Despite the well-known slogan “protect and serve,” it has become painfully clear that the police primarily show up after the damage has already been done. They take reports, they document incidents, but they do little to prevent an escalation.
Seeking legal protection, such as an injunction, has proven to be far more difficult than one might expect. While these legal measures may provide a paper trail, they do not physically stop an aggressor. In a “Stand Your Ground” state like Florida, the burden of proof often falls on the innocent—meaning that even in a clear-cut case of self-defense, you are guilty until proven innocent.
Understanding this, I have taken steps to protect myself and my fiancé. Each time a threat is made, I call the police—not because I expect immediate action, but to ensure that there is a documented history of the harassment. I have filed for an injunction, not because I believe it will prevent harm, but because if the situation escalates, there will be a legal footprint. If we are forced to defend ourselves, the records will show a clear pattern of aggression. And if the worst happens—if we are killed—there will be a trail for the authorities to follow in their inevitable “cleanup.”
For anyone facing similar harassment, I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your rights and being proactive in protecting yourself. If you are a registered gun owner like myself, you must be even more vigilant. The law may not be on your side when you need it most, but having a documented history of the threats against you can be the difference between freedom and wrongful conviction.
The fight for justice starts long before an incident occurs. It starts with knowing your rights, taking the necessary legal steps, and making sure that if the worst happens, the truth is on record. Because at the end of the day, no one else will protect you—you must protect yourself.
100 percent in agreement. Protect yourself and your family AT ALL COSTS.