Darren Manzella

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Darren Manzella

Nationality American
Occupation Medical Liaison, US Army
Known for Openly gay in the US Army despite DADT policy

Darren Manzella is an American Army Sergeant, Army medic and gay activist from Portland, New York,[1][2] who has served in Iraq and Kuwait and is stationed out of Fort Hood, Texas.[3]

[edit] Overview

Manzella came out to his commander after rumors of his sexuality surfaced[1] in the form of threats to "turn the flame down".[4] He had at that point told his unit he was gay and introduced them to his boyfriend A.J.[4] After there were no consequences due to no proof of him being gay in the impending investigation. That investigation included a video which Manzella himself provided which displayed passionate kissing between he and his boyfriend.[4] The investigation however decided he should return to work and he was told, "You're not gay"[4] and that "proof of homosexuality"[3] had not been found. He came out on American news program 60 Minutes.[1][5] He did this in opposition to the Don't ask, don't tell policy, and to build momentum for its removal.[1] He supports gays and lesbians to be able to join and serve in the military openly.[1] He is currently on "block leave" and it is unclear if he will be disciplined for his coming out on national television.[1] He grew up on his parent's grape farm in Portland, New York, where he attended the chautauqua Brocton High School.[1] He has become the first openly gay service member on active duty to speak to the press from a war zone.[2] He says now that due to the 60 Minutes interview he thinks he will likely be discharged now.[3] He is working with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a gay military organization and lobby group.[3]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ 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
  2. ^ a b 60 Minutes with Darren Manzella, by Steve Ralls, December 13, 2007, retrieved February 4, 2008]
  3. ^ a b c d Soldier: Policy on Gays May Be Shifting, By Suzanna Gamoa, Associated Press, January 8, 2008, retrieved February 4, 2008
  4. ^ a b c d Military Soft On Don't Ask, Don't Tell?, 60 Minutes, December 16, 2007, retrieved February 4, 2008
  5. ^ 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