Openly gay Army Sargeant Darren Manzella discharged from military [video]
”My sexual orientation certainly didn’t make a difference when I treated injuries and saved lives in the streets of Baghdad. It shouldn’t be a factor in allowing me to continue to serve.”
Army Sgt. Darren Manzella as quoted in an SLDN press release. Manzella spoke to the TV program ”60 Minutes” in December 2007 about being gay and serving a 2nd tour of Iraq eventhough his command knew he was gay. Manzella also spoke with Metro Weekly in March of 2008. (SLDN)
”The discharge of battle-tested, talented service members like Sergeant Manzella weakens our military in a time of war. National security requires that Congress lift the ban on gays in the military and allow commanders to judge troops on their qualifications, not their sexuality.”
Adam Ebbin, the newly appointed Communications Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, regarding the discharge of Sgt Darren Manzella. (SLDN)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
