- 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
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.
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]
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 finally discharged in June 2008 for acknowledging that he is gay.[6]
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
Categories:- Living people
- People from Portland, Oregon
- LGBT rights activists from the United States
- United States Army soldiers
- American nurses
- American military personnel discharged for homosexuality
- Don't ask, don't tell
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