By Jake Naylor // Images courtesy of Angelo Gomez

When we last spoke with Angelo Gomez in 2023, the decorated police officer and proud gay Latino trailblazer shared his inspiring path of public service, advocacy, and resilience. Now, Angelo has added another powerful title to his résumé: author. With his debut children’s book, Hero Inside, Gomez turns his lifelong passion for service into a heartfelt and empowering story for the next generation, especially those who feel like they don’t quite fit in.

“Hero Inside is more than just a children’s book; it’s a powerful journey of self-discovery and empathy,” Gomez says. “As a police officer, I wrote Hero Inside to inspire meaningful conversations about mental health among youth and to show kids they don’t need superpowers to create change.” For Gomez, it’s personal. His childhood was filled with emotional challenges and a sense of not belonging, feelings he says are far too common for LGBTQ+ and marginalized youth.

Cover of Hero Inside by Angelo Gomez

At the heart of Hero Inside is Timmy, a young boy who dreams of flying through the sky and defeating monsters. But when the alarm clock wakes him from his fantasy, he faces a much more ordinary world: chores, spilled groceries, a friend in need. As Timmy helps those around him, he begins to feel something even more powerful than a cape or a superpower; he feels seen, appreciated, and strong. By the end of the story, Timmy grows up to become a police officer, using kindness and courage to serve his community.

“I wanted Timmy’s journey to reflect the power of ordinary people making an extraordinary difference,” Gomez explains. “This resonates deeply with my own experience.” In real life, Angelo recently received the Medal of Valor, a Lifesaving Award, and a U.S. Congressional Commendation for helping rescue an 8-year-old girl and her two dogs from a burning apartment. “No superpowers were required, just the determination to help others. I believe this is the most powerful ability we all possess.”

The inspiration behind Timmy’s struggles with self-worth is deeply rooted in Gomez’s past. “Growing up, I often felt like my own worst enemy, grappling with a sense of being different that left me questioning my worth. I believed that if I could just be more like my peers, I’d accept who I saw in the mirror,” he says. But as he grew older, Gomez found his voice and his strength by embracing who he was. “Just as I learned, Timmy learns he does not need to be anyone but himself to make a positive difference.”

Representation is a central theme throughout Hero Inside, and Gomez hopes LGBTQ+ youth see themselves in Timmy’s story. “To every LGBTQ+ young person, my message is simple yet profound: Always be unapologetically yourself,” he says. “You were born exactly as you were meant to be, and that is something to celebrate.”

That philosophy of embracing authenticity and using it to uplift others is something Gomez lives every day. From his groundbreaking mayoral run at 19 to his work in the Henderson Police Department and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition, Gomez has consistently pushed for change from the inside out.

He credits historical figures like Robert F. Kennedy for helping him find that path. “RFK’s unwavering commitment to justice and human potential deeply resonated with me. One of his quotes that continues to inspire me is, ‘Each time a man stands up for an ideal… he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.’” Those ripples, Gomez says, are what Hero Inside aims to create for readers of all ages.

As a storytelling advocate, Gomez believes literature can be a form of public service. “Storytelling can serve as a beacon of hope through relatable stories,” he explains. “We currently live in an age of superheroes… but readers can feel empowered when they see themselves in characters who overcome common struggles. Timmy’s story shows kids they can be heroes simply by being kind.”

So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Local businesses and therapists have placed my book in their lobbies, and I was honored with the ‘Best Youth Mental Health Advocacy’ award from Evergreen,” he shares. Even across the globe, the book is making a difference. Gomez tells the story of a young fan in England who sleeps with Hero Inside beside his bed every night. “It’s an indescribable feeling to know I created something that inspires others.”

One of Gomez’s proudest moments was donating a copy to his childhood elementary school. “It’s been such a long journey since I was sitting in the library there. I strive to continue working toward big goals to inspire others to do the same.”

For fellow LGBTQ+ public servants, Gomez offers a heartfelt piece of advice: “Relentlessly champion a government that is just and equitable for all. Our unique perspectives are invaluable. By setting aside personal biases and focusing on impactful results, we can truly make a difference.”

As for what’s next? Though Hero Inside was recently picked up by Barnes & Noble, Gomez is focusing on promoting the book rather than rushing into the next project. “My goal isn’t to make a large profit—I genuinely want to empower youth,” he says.

And that’s precisely what he’s doing. With Hero Inside, Angelo Gomez reminds us that courage, kindness, and compassion are heroic traits, ones we all have the power to wield. As Timmy learns and Gomez lives, “A hero’s not made by the powers we crave… the hero inside is the one to be led.”

Hero Inside is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

This article was originally published in the 2025 PRIDE Celebration Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.