A cop’s life is a tough one—but the life of a gay cop can be even more difficult. Greg Miraglia, a cop for thirty years, now director of a police academy in California, is the author of Coming Out From Behind the Badge, stories of success and advice from police officers out on the job.

I interviewed Greg at The 12th Annual International Conference of Gay and Lesbian Criminal Justice Professionals, held recently in Washington, DC.

GayWired.com: What made you decide to put Coming Out From Behind the Badge together?

Greg Miraglia: During my coming out process, I found only two books about LGBT law enforcement officers, both published in the mid '90s and full of stories of police officers who had been persecuted and mistreated. My sense was that conditions had improved significantly just within the last five years.

I hope this book will inspire closeted officers to consider coming out. I want to help gay and lesbian officers find happiness in their personal and professional lives.

GW: How did you recruit the officers who participated?

GM: I created a website and sent out links to LGBT law enforcement organizations. I talked up the project with the gay cops I knew and solicited participation every opportunity I had. I heard from a good number of officers, but many told me that they didn’t think their stories were interesting enough. I wasn’t looking for lots of excitement, but rather, stories of success.

GW: There are no lesbians represented in the book. Do you think that’s because lesbians have a greater level of acceptance within the criminal justice system?

GM: I don’t know why I didn’t get any interest from women. Clearly women have had an easier time coming out and continue to be more readily accepted by their straight counterparts than gay men. I would very much like to have women participate in future editions of the book. Young lesbians need good role models too.

GW: Why did only one of the subjects use his full name?

GM: All of the gay contributors are completely out in their personal lives and at work. However, some departments prohibit participating in any type of media like this without permission of the chief. Most of the contributors work in a state that does not have any employment protection based on sexual orientation. So to violate a department policy in this way would put the individuals at risk.

GW: Have you found that attitudes towards gay police officers have shifted since you first became an officer?

GM: Definitely! In 1978 when I started as a police cadet, it was made very clear to me that police departments did not employ gays. Within the last five years, I’ve seen gay and lesbian recruits hired and put through the academy while out and proud. They are currently working in police departments, widely accepted by their peers, and enjoying very successful careers.

My own experience with friends is that through exposure to gay and lesbian people, past attitudes and stereotypes are being crushed.



GW: Your own story was inspired by the death of Matthew Shepard. Can you explain how it motivated you to come out?

GM: Although I remember hearing about Matt’s death when it happened, I didn’t learn about it in detail until 2001, when I met Judy Shepard and we became fast friends. Judy talks about the importance of coming out and “telling your stories.” Matt was killed because of who he was. It was a crime driven by fear and ignorance. The more I got involved with the Matthew Shepard Foundation, the greater my passion developed for doing something to combat hate. I feel one of the most powerful ways to influence others is to be a role model.

GW: What response have you gotten from the book?

GM: All of the responses I’ve received have been entirely positive. One person I work with told me he enjoyed the stories because he has a gay son. I’ve known him for years and his son never came up in conversation.

GW: There’s some mention of depression and suicide in the book. Is that a common problem for gay cops?

GM: I believe that it is. I know this from talking to many officers in person and via email and almost all of them mentioned a period of depression before deciding to coming out. I know of at least one officer who did commit suicide because he was afraid to come out. Law enforcement is a career that people are passionate about. It can become an addiction. The fear of losing a career you love because of who you are can become an impossible conflict to resolve. This can lead individuals to alcohol, depression and an escape through suicide.

GW: Do you think that state organizations and conferences can be a good source of support for LGBT cops?

GM: Networking like you saw at the DC conference is incredible. It’s an opportunity to realize that you are not alone… to be reminded that you are not the only gay or lesbian officer in the world. There is clearly strength in numbers. The workshop I facilitated on coming out at work was incredible. Participants really enjoyed sharing their stories. They got a chance to have conversations that they don’t get to have with co-workers on the job. I strongly encourage LGBT officers to connect with one of the many professional organizations out there.

I also think its an amazing opportunity for straight allies to learn. We saw several straight high-ranking law enforcement administrators at the conference there to support their LGBT officers.

GW: Do you plan another book?

GM: Yes, I’ve already had interest from several officers about wanting to write. How we move forward will depend on the success of the first book. I am actively working on monthly podcasts and other forms of information sharing on the book website,