Gay Secret Service Agent Cory Allen: Author of Breaking Free

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Early Life Facing Adversity

• Finding Purpose in Law Enforcement and the Secret Service

• Protecting the First Family While Hiding His Identity

• Sharing His Story to Help Others

• Continuing the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights

Introduction

Amber LeMay had the chance to talk with author Cory Allen about his life, career, and his new book, Breaking Free. In his book, Cory talks about the struggles of being a gay Secret Service agent, and the amazing journey he went through to get where he is today. You can watch the video above, or read on to learn more about Cory and his life.

Early Life Facing Adversity

Cory Allen grew up in rural western Pennsylvania. His parents divorced when he was young, after which he moved with his mother to a conservative suburb of Richmond, Virginia. There, Cory witnessed domestic violence for nearly a decade as his mother suffered abuse from a partner. Cory felt powerless and afraid during this traumatic period. As a child, he was often the one forced to call the police when violence erupted.

Despite the hardships, Cory found solace in the kindness of the responding officers. Their professionalism and support during such terrifying situations showed Cory the value of law enforcement. It planted an early seed that he, too, could help people in need by becoming a police officer.

Cory Allen at work with the Pope behind him in the Pope-mobile

Finding Purpose in Law Enforcement and the Secret Service

After finishing high school, Cory worked multiple jobs in the service industry around Richmond. He also spent a short time in Nashville unsuccessfully attempting a country music career. Feeling unmoored, Cory realized he thrived with structure and enrolled in the U.S. Air Force at 21.

Cory come from a long line of family members in law enforcement. Combined with his childhood interactions, he felt it was a natural fit to follow their career path. He became a police officer at 24 back in his home state of Virginia. After several years gaining experience, Cory successfully applied to be a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service.

Protecting the First Family While Hiding His Identity

As a Secret Service agent, Cory worked on high-level protective assignments and criminal investigations. The pinnacle came in 2016 when he was selected to be part of Michelle Obama's security detail. For two years, Cory traveled the world guarding the former First Lady, cementing bonds with fellow agents.

Michelle Obama with former Secret Service agent and author Cory Allen

During this time, Cory hid his true sexuality underlying constant anxiety of being outed. Fearing career suicide if he came out, Cory lived dual lives - one as a dedicated gay man outside work and one as a straight male agent on duty.

After leaving the Secret Service in 2019, Cory reflected on the exhilarating highs yet profound sadness of hiding who he was. He decided to write a memoir cataloging his journey thus far, both for himself and for any future children.

Order Corey Allen’s book today!

Sharing His Story to Help Others

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Cory realized his story could help others feel less alone. He finished writing his memoir "Breaking Free: A Saga of Self-Discovery by a Gay Secret Service Agent" which published in 2023.

Since then, Cory has discovered the power of representation. Through candid vulnerability, his story has given permission for LGBTQ+ friends and strangers alike to live openly. During book events, Cory has inspired attendees to come out. Messages of gratitude for his advocacy pour in daily.

Cory now writes articles spotlighting issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. He also advocates for gay family building, drawing on painful personal surrogacy setbacks. By illuminating systemic discrimination, Cory aims to enact positive change so others have an easier path to parenthood.

Cory Allen

Continuing the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights

Despite progress, Cory recognizes the persistent attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. He feels a responsibility to leverage his platform as a proud gay man succeeding in the hyper-masculine culture of law enforcement. Cory strives to be the role model he lacked growing up - proof that LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive in any career.

While Cory's original goal was to simply help people in need, his memoir has opened an unexpected door to impact countless lives. He now plans to write a second book about his surrogacy journey. Wherever the path leads, Cory remains committed to bettering the world for future generations of LGBTQ+ youth through continued advocacy and outreach.

—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together.  If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!