My first experience with police violence happened when I was 19 years old. I was walking with someone I had just met in my new neighborhood, Sam. On the way back, a cop car ran up on the sidewalk and onto the grass. I kept walking but Sam stopped. I had to stay with her. He very sternly and loudly told us to get on our knees. Sam was already on her knees with her fingers interlocked behind her head. He told me if I did not get on my knees he would knock me on my knees. It’s unbelievable how naive I was then. I responded, “I am wearing a skirt. I cannot get on my knees. My skirt will get dirty.” Sam quickly said,“Get down.” He told her to shut up. . . . → Read More: Long-Time Sex Workers’ Rights Activist Discusses Violence And Endurance