Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

“Hello, My Name Is ______.”

When people hear that I’m actually a drama major with an emphasis on directing, their response is usually both amusing and aggravating. Verbally, they say, “Oh, okay. That’s nice.” Physically, it’s more along the lines of, “And you’re interning with a lobbyist organization? Good match there, kid.” I’m a sophomore at Bennington College in Vermont. Instead of having classes in the months of January and February, we have “Field Work Term.” This winter term allows students to intern anywhere in the world, as long as it’s a legitimate organization and the student connects this internship to their concentration. Most people seem to be afraid to ask why I didn’t just intern with some regional theater or, considering the short distance between Bennington and New York City, one of the hundreds of drama related organizations there. Basically, I didn’t want to do that. I would much rather spend my Field Work Term doing things I’m not already learning in college but would contribute to my studies overall. I learned of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network from interviewing a few of their plaintiffs and members a little over a year ago for a freshman project. When thinking of an organization with which to intern for Field Work Term, SLDN was one of my first choices. Considering my concentration, along with eventual minors in photography and anthropology, a communications internship at a non-profit organization in D.C. dealing with gay rights seemed like a great fit. The most important aspect of my internship is that I actually believe in what they’re doing. I actually believe that this organization is helping to better America. These people are helping to bring us a nation of greater equality—and I fully believe they will achieve it. --Jared Goza To learn more about SLDN and it's internship opportunities, click here.
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01-17-08 Comment (0)

In Case You Missed It . . .

. . . HeadOn Radio Network's interview with Sharra Greer, SLDN's director of law and policy, is now available on their website, here. Sharra discusses the case of Army Sergeant Darren Manzella and talks about SLDN's work to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." To hear her Strictly Confidential interview, click here. - Steve Ralls

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01-16-08 Comment (0)

Elaine Donnelly’s War Against Beachwear

I guess I won't be seeing Elaine at the Winter Party. No, our girl in Michigan (who did she vote for in yesterday's primary, one wonders) - who isn't fond of women, and really doesn't like gays - also has no use for "beachwear," you see. Much like that dancing thing the kids seem to like so much these days, a swimsuit is a sure sign of the decline of western civilization. And while I might be grateful that Ms. Donnelly won't be sashaying down South Beach, her latest rant of "1 + 1 = 3" is just too bizarre to believe. Writing today on "The Tank" at the National Review Online, Elaine does her usual "fire the gays" routine. She blasts us for criticizing her "appropriate and courteous phone calls" to Fort Hood (which she herself has classified as "bothering" Army officials) and she accuses Sergeant Manzella of "mocking" the military by talking about his appreciation for the Army and about how much he's looking forward to returning to base next week. But then - sacre bleu! - Elaine tries to enforce her own dresscode. Referring to Darren's 60 Minutes interview, where he talked about a 2006 investigation into his personal life that was closed, Elaine writes today that, "We don’t know whether the Army investigated the anonymous e-mails or Sgt. Manzella’s homosexual conduct, but a photo of Manzella posed with a mixed-gender group of 'Army buddies' partying in casual beachwear suggests that the unit was not a model of discipline." (Emphasis ours) Call in Donatella Versace, people. Elaine is bringing the war against beachwear to our armed forces. The CMR fashion police are on the job, and they will not let casual dress codes topple our armed forces. The devil wears Prada, indeed. - Steve Ralls

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01-16-08 Comment (0)

Better Grey than Gay

In 2006 nearly 600 young men and women were kicked out of the service because of the simple fact that they are gay. A recent Associated Press article reports that nearly 600 senior citizens have been taken back into the service and deployed to Middle East to fight in Uncle Sam's army. That means that in 2006 the U.S. military kicked out about a battalion's worth of young, gay service members and replaced them with a battalion's worth of senior citizens! The article highlights the efforts of former Master Sergeant Austin Asher, a 60 year old retieree, who is looking to re-enlist and serve his nation. Having applied for the Retieree Recall Program, MS Asher hopes to redeploy and join nearly 600 other senior citizens in the Middle East. Since 9/11, and the start of armed conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, military recuiting goals have been increasingly hard to meet. Allowing gay Americans to serve in the armed forces would alleviate the strain on military personnel by allowing the most qualified and able-bodied Americans to serve. The national security of our nation deserves no less. The efforts of men and women like MS Asher should be applauded, however in light of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this story serves as just another reminder that bigotry is not just hurting gay Americans -- it is hurting us all. -Victor Maldonado

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01-15-08 Comment (0)

“The Lights Are On, But There’s No One Home”

"Waiting for your call baby night and day I'm fed up I'm tired of waiting on you . . . . . . Time goes by so slowly for those who wait" - Madonna, Hung Up
She's no Material Girl, but it seems like Elaine Donnelly can relate to Mrs. Ritchie's sentiments about lonely nights spent waiting by the telephone.
As Pam's House Blend reports today, the director of the Center for Military Readiness can't get a phone call returned from Fort Hood, Texas, even after repeatedly "bothering" the command (who, one imagines, might have better things to do than dish with Mrs. D.) about the case of Army Sergeant Darren Manzella.
Elaine, as we reported earlier, is quite anxious to get Sergeant Manzella fired from the Army. And, she'd get a kick out of slapping his command around, too . . . just for the fact that they've tried to keep a good soldier on duty.
But alas, poor Elaine is left waiting by the telephone. "We have attempted, very patiently, to get the original information . . . to at least get an official statement from the officials involved -- but they have not been available," she told reporters today.
One imagines they're busy with more urgent matters at Fort Hood: perhaps trying to fight the war, protect the homeland or doing their hair (an excuse which surely Elaine can relate to). Any of the three would make more sense than kicking out qualified gay troops.
In the meantime, Elaine can put on her Madonna CD to help pass the time away. After all, as Madge's tune concludes . . .
"Ring, ring, ring goes the telephone . . . The lights are on but there's no one home."
- Steve Ralls

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01-15-08 Comment (1)

60 in 60: A Message from Nancy Manzella

Dear SLDN Supporters, I want to tell you how enormously proud I am of my son, Darren, and about my extraordinary visit with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network in Washington. I am more committed than ever to working alongside SLDN for repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” And I hope you will join me in this historic fight against inequality in our military. I arrived in the capital last Tuesday evening, just after Darren spoke at the National Press Club about his experience serving in the Army as an openly gay medic. The next morning, the Associated Press featured Darren in an article about the growing trend of troops who are serving out of the closet with the support of their colleagues and command. I am so proud of him for speaking out, and so moved by the dedication and commitment of everyone at SLDN to help service members like Darren, and to end this unjust law once and for all. I hope you will join me in standing with SLDN and working to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” On Wednesday evening, more than 100 SLDN supporters joined Darren and I at the Army-Navy Club in Washington, and I was inspired by their passion for this important work. But I know, too, that it will take all of us, working together, to win this battle. Please join me in supporting SLDN’s 60 in 60 campaign to raise the resources we need. An average case at SLDN can cost $10,000 or more as the SLDN attorneys provide support to service members and their families . . . and work to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Yet, SLDN never charges a single penny for their services and is always there for our men and women in uniform . . . and for families like mine. So, between now and February 15 (60 days from his appearance on 60 Minutes), we want to raise enough funds to support 60 more troops like Darren. You can be an important part of that effort. As I left Washington on Thursday morning, I felt as if I had a second family: the family of dedicated people at SLDN, and the LGBT troops serving under this law. On their behalf, I am enlisting in this fight, and on their behalf, we will win. Join Us. Sincerely,

Nancy Manzella Proud Mom of Sergeant Darren Manzella

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01-15-08 Comment (0)

What The L:  Episode 2 Reviewed

Embodying the whimsy that defined the eternally fun first season, the fifth season of Showtime’s The L Word promises to be a delight. Case in point: Shane’s romantic entanglement with Paige, built up slowly over the course of the fourth season, was swiftly explained away just in time to present us with the kind of antics that made us fall in love with her in the first place. Last night’s episode featured Shane escaping from a farce of her own creation, with women in a bridal party replacing the clichéd doors. Watching the season premier and last night’s episode in a double-header, I was disappointed to find that Jenny did not drift out of sea at the end of last season. Tragically, Jenny is back and worse than ever, as an entitled industry insider. Still, hope springs eternal in my Jenny-hating heart: the insufferable author has acquired a personal assistant who seems poised to topple Jenny’s ego. We can tell Adele, her assistant, is from the east coast because she wears glasses and doesn’t condition. Adele has read “Some of Her Parts” five times and, therefore, clearly has something wrong with her. Five seasons in, I still find myself struggling to figure out if Jenny is supposed to be a good writer or a terrible writer. Maybe this year’s the year we find out. Meanwhile, Helena is in jail. This is a family blog, so we can’t talk about that too much, but Kit’s visit reminds us why Pam Grier remains one of the most enjoyable actresses on the program. Tina continues to lust after Bette, regretting that she ever got so worked up over that whole infidelity thing. Bette continues to lust after Jodi. Phyllis struggles to successfully dump Joyce. Now, the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" part of the recap! The military of The L Word seems to work a bit differently than the one we’re used to. Tasha has been held back from Iraq (the rest of her unit deployed) because she is under investigation for homosexual conduct. She attempts to engage a military defense attorney but is rebuffed – he tells Tasha that her goose is cooked and refuses to take the case. Later, Tasha complains about this to Alice, lamenting that she can’t afford a civilian attorney. (“Call SLDN!” I shouted at the screen. But The L Word characters rarely take my advice.) Alice is shocked that Tasha is interested in staying in the military, Tasha responds defensively but lamely. My hope for subsequent episodes is that Tasha will be able to eloquently express why so many brave LGBT service members choose to serve in silence. - Elizabeth Bolles

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01-14-08 Comment (0)

Military Times Profiles Sergeant Manzella

This week's Military Times profiles Army Sergeant Darren Manzella, who speaks with reporter Bill McMichael about his service in the Army, his experience under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and his desire to continue serving. From Bill McMichael's report: He’s spent the past two years serving as an openly gay soldier, hiding nothing from his fellow troops. Now, everyone knows. His story aired nationally Dec. 16 on CBS’s "60 Minutes." That makes Manzella easily the most out-in-the-open gay service member in the entire U.S. military. . . . . . . "I’ve had an outpouring of support from my family, from my peers, my colleagues — military people," Manzella said. . . . . . . "I was there. I did my job. I was very good at it,” Manzella said. “I received incredible evaluations. And I still feel I’m the same person right now as I was then. And I don’t think [anyone knowing] would have made a difference while I was caring for casualties [in] the war." For the complete Military Times story, click here. - Steve Ralls Photo by Army Times Publishing Company

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01-14-08 Comment (0)

On the Radio with One in Ten

Tune in to FNX Radio on Sunday evening to hear SLDN client Darren Manzella speak with Keith Orr on One in Ten, an LGBT issues show. Darren will be joining Keith beginning at approximately 8:45pm EST on Sunday. For more information on the program, or to listen in live on Sunday, click here. - Steve Ralls

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01-11-08 Comment (0)

Ask Darren

Many of our supporters have called, written or emailed with words of support for Army Sergeant Darren Manzella (pictured). Darren is so appreciative for the overwhelming response from SLDN supporters, and wanted us to pass along to you his thanks and gratitude. We would also like to invite readers of Frontlines to ask Darren any questions you might have about his service, his experience under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," what's next for him or anything else you might want to inquire about. We'll select a few of your questions and to send those to Darren, and then have him respond to you here on Frontlines next week. So, if you'd like to "Ask Darren," leave your question in the comments section. Then, come back next week to see if your question was selected, and to read Darren's response. - Steve Ralls

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01-11-08 Comment (8)

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