About Our Next Project

We are already working on the next edition of Coming Out From Behind The Badge and would like your story to be included! As the first edition hit the shelves, we heard almost immediately from other public safety professionals outside of law enforcement that there is a wider and more deeply repressed group of gay and lesbian public servants out there who give so much of themselves to protect others at the expense of their own happiness.   As a gay or lesbian firefighter or EMS professional, there is often the added pressure of living with straight co-workers 24 to 48 hours at a time.  Both professions continue to be largely conservative and homophobic.  

So what's your story?  What did you struggle with on the job?  Did you face discrimination?  Are you still unable to come out?  We are looking for stories of all kinds for this edition including those of success as well as struggle.  The power of this book comes from your story - one that other professionals can identify with and see themselves in.  We need your advice and expertise to help other law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS professionals with their own personal and often difficult struggles.

Our Offer To You

We are offering the opportunity to receive one of three cash awards for contributing one of the best stories in the next book as determined by our readers.

• First Prize Is $500.00
• Second Prize Is $250.00
• Third Prize Is $100.00

Over the next 12 months, we will collect your stories and select the best 50 stories we receive for publication in the next edition of Coming Out From Behind The Badge. We will then collect feedback from our readers and award the prizes above based on who receives the most votes.

Any member of law enforcement (civilian or sworn), corrections personnel, the fire service, or an emergency medical professional may participate.

Writing Requirements

You can "ghost write" your story without having to publish your real name or department.  Your story is what is important to share.   You can write as much as you like starting with any point in your life you feel is the best place to begin your story. Most stories will be two or three pages long.    The audience for this book will likely be as young as 11 or 12 years of age.  Please do not focus on your sexual experiences in detail that would not be appropriate for young people or that would become a distraction from your story.   Avoid using the real names of people you write about negatively and do not use your agency or department's name without their permission.   Try to include your emotions and sufficient descriptions of events and places that create a picture for readers. 

All submissions must be typed and submitted in an electronic format that can be edited (MS Word is best).  You story should be at least 5 pages in length. You can write as much as you wish beyond that.

You do not have to be an experienced author to be part of this book.  We can help you with writing and editing your story.  In fact, if you do not want to write your full story, we can interview you online so that all you have to do is respond to a series of questions that can usually be answered in one paragraph.  Click Here for an online interview.

The Deadline

All stories to be considered for this edition are due to us no later than June 30, 2010.