Announcing The Official Release Of
American Heroes Coming Out From Behind The Badge
Stories From Police, Fire and EMS Professionals "Out" On the Job

January 11, 2011 - Santa Rosa, California. Author Greg Miraglia announced today the official release of his second book, "American Heroes coming Out From Behind The Badge - Stories from police, fire, and EMS Professionals "Out" on the job."

The stories contained in this book were written by real police officers, firefighters, and EMS Professionals about their own coming out journeys. Each story is unique, but shares the common experience of coming out while working as a public safety professional. These courageous people are truly role models who have demonstrated that you can be "out" on the job and still be successful. All of them are doing their part to combat the unofficial "don't ask, don't tell" policy that exits in many police departments, fire departments, and EMS agencies.

"It's truly an honor to share with the world the stories of some special and amazing police officers, firefighters, and EMS Professionals from around the United States who are currently serving communities just like the one you live in. What makes these dedicated public servants extra special is that they happen to be gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender. They also happen to be "out" despite the homophobia that still exists in within all three of these public safety professions," said Miraglia.

In his first book, Mr. Miraglia told his own coming out story after working for three different law enforcement agencies and rising to the rank of deputy chief. In addition to the new stories in this new book, Mr. Miraglia offers more advice based on what he has learned since coming out in 2004.

Mr. Miraglia added, "The best law enforcement work is done by people for people. We are a profession of people and to that end we share many common human attributes including our sexuality. The variety of sexual orientation found in men and women transcends all races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and countries. It also transcends every law enforcement agency serving and protecting every community. It is not a choice, but rather a part of how we were created. Although it can be masked, it cannot ever be changed. It is a part of every human being who carries a badge."

The official release event will be held at the A Different Light Bookstore, located at 489 Castro Street in San Francisco, on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at 3:00 PM. This event will feature readings from the book from several of the contributing authors. A question and answer period and book signing will follow. Copies of the book will be available for sale.

"American Heroes Coming Out From Behind The Badge" is now available for immediate order from online book sellers including Authorhouse.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. Signed copies are available from our own website at www.comingoutfrombehindthebadge.com. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Out To Protect National Scholarship Program supporting LGBT law enforcement academy students.

Greg Miraglia is also the National Program Coordinator for Stop the Hate and speaks around the country with Shane Windmeyer about hate crimes and bias incident prevention.