Synopsis: Out in Front

What happens when your heroes disappoint you? In 1992 President-elect Clinton promised to lift the ban on gays in the military, and many believed he could do it. PFC Matt Stillman finds out just how wrong they were.

Main characters:

Linguaphile Matt Stillman followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Army for the opportunity to learn a language at the prestigious Defense Language Institute in Monterey. His mother worries and his friends think he's crazy, but he was convinced that everything would be okay once Clinton was elected. When things don't turn out the way he expected, he tries to stay out of sight, under the radar, at a time when everyone was paying more attention.

Sergeant Kevin Landon pushes Matt to step out in front and take advantage of everything the Army can offer, unaware of why Matt wants to stay in the background. He becomes a role model and mentor, someone Matt aspires to emulate. But Kevin has his own secrets, and when Matt needs him most, he might not be able to support him.

J Norwood is a glass artist from Monterey who is stuck in a holding pattern after the death of his mentor. He's hiding out in the house he inherited and nursing a guilty conscience. He doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially not a closet case who'll be leaving in a few months, but he takes pity on Matt and befriends him anyway.

There's a whole host of secondary characters, including Matt's widowed mother, Martine, who owns a hair salon and hopes for him to have a more exciting life than she did; his roommate, Alvin, who depends on him to meet girls; and Kali, the girl who opens his eyes to the danger all around him.