Darren Manzella
| Darren Manzella | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Medical Liaison, US Army |
| Known for | Openly gay in the US Army despite DADT policy |
| Home town | Portland, New York |
Darren Manzella was an American Army Sergeant, Army medic and gay activist from Portland, New York,[1][2] who has served in Iraq and Kuwait. He was stationed out of Fort Hood, Texas.[3]
Contents |
[edit] Overview
He grew up on his parent's grape farm in Portland, New York, where he attended the Chautauqua Brocton High School.[1]
Manzella came out to his commander after rumors of his sexuality surfaced[1] in the form of threats to "turn the flame down".[4] Manzella had at that point told his unit that he was gay and had introduced them to his boyfriend, A.J.[4]
No action was taken against Manzella due to the army's finding no evidence of his homosexuality in its investigation, which included a video provided by Manzella displaying passionate kissing between him and his boyfriend.[4] The investigation concluded that he should return to work and he was told, "You're not gay"[4] and that "proof of homosexuality"[3] had not been found.
[edit] 60 Minutes
Manzella came out on American news program 60 Minutes.[1][5] He became the first openly gay service member on active duty to speak to the press from a war zone.[2]
His decision to appear on the show resulted from his opposition to the Don't ask, don't tell policy, and his desire to build momentum for its removal.[1] He believes that gays and lesbians should be able to serve openly.[1]
[edit] Discharge
He said that due to the 60 Minutes interview he would likely be discharged.[3] He was placed on block leave.[1] He worked with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a gay military organization and lobby group.[3]
He was discharged with full benefits in June 2008 for acknowledging that he was gay.[6]
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g Military takes no action against gay medic from Chautauqua County, The Buffalo News, by Lindsey McPherson, January 4, 2008, retrieved January 4, 2008
- ^ a b 60 Minutes with Darren Manzella, by Steve Ralls, December 13, 2007, retrieved February 4, 2008]
- ^ a b c d Soldier: Policy on Gays May Be Shifting, By Suzanna Gamoa, Associated Press, January 8, 2008, retrieved February 4, 2008
- ^ a b c d Military Soft On Don't Ask, Don't Tell?, 60 Minutes, December 16, 2007, retrieved February 4, 2008
- ^ In and Out: Despite a national profile as an openly gay soldier, Uncle Sam still wants Sgt. Darren Manzella, Metro Weekly, by Will O'Bryan, March 6, 2008, retrieved March 13, 2008
- ^ Openly Gay Army Sergeant Discharged Under 'Don't ask, don't tell', FoxBusiness News, June 26, 2007, access date June 27, 2008
[edit] Additional sources
- CNN: Sidki, "Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'," November 10, 2009, accessed February 15, 2012
