Coming Out from Behind the Badge

Coming out from behind the Badge is a book intended to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) law enforcement professionals who are seeking a way to "come out" and be successful on the job. It is also intended to educate heterosexuals (persons attracted to the opposite sex) and cisgender people (persons who identify their gender in a way that is consistent with their birth sex) to better understand differences in sexual orientation and gender identity and how to support their colleagues. In addition, this edition of Coming out from behind the Badge was written to support students who are preparing for a career in law enforcement and those already in the field seeking a better understanding of a large segment of the community which law enforcement serves. The book contains stories from real LGBT law enforcement professionals who are "out" on the job serving communities across the country. In addition to the stories, the book contains new chapters explaining sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBT history related to law enforcement, and expanded sections on how to come out and how to create an inclusive and supportive workplace. This book is ideal for LGBT law enforcement professionals, straight allies, law enforcement executives, and those who are seeking a law enforcement career. It makes an ideal textbook for police academies and classes in community policing, public administration, and LGBT studies. An instructor guide is available with course outlines, learning activities, and critical thinking questions. This book is perfect for you if you are… - Working in law enforcement and thinking about coming out. - An out gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person in law enforcement. - A friend or colleague who wants to learn how to be supportive. - A criminal justice student preparing for a law enforcement career. - An agency executive wanting a rank and file that reflects the community. - A law enforcement psychologist who wants to understand better. - A young gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person seeking a law enforcement career. Stories in this book come from: Greg Lempke An Officer From The East Coast An Officer From Alabama Jon Henderson David Lewis Jr. Danielle Jonas John Sanders Anthony Morgado Patricia Fitzpatrick Scott Gunn Gregory Abbink Jeri Mitchell Kevin Collins Darran Mazaika