| 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]
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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.
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]
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]