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 RallsLabels: Darren Manzella, sldn clients
01-11-08
8 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Darren, thank you for coming out openly. I wish I could but my job is not that ergent in the military. My last command did not care if I was gay they saw I did my job and gr8 at it. Now I am in a new command and I have to shut my mouth at there crud coments. I just pray to god that I do not say anything that would put me in the spot light. We are people to and being gay does not mean we are brocken. It just means we die a little each day because we have to be quiet in the military. There are so many of use in the military, that we to deserve to serve proudly.
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GS on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
SGT Darren,<BR><BR>I was retired from the Army Medical Corps in 1986. At that time, by my estimate, and my estimate only, our hospital in Germany was about 40% Gay and Lesbian, and “officially” in the closet. I am not gay, but my sympathies are with those who are and wish to serve. However, bothe the Officer and the NCO Corps of that time were mostly openly hostile to the GLBT troop. Has that, in your experience, changed in 2008, or is it just a more subtle hostility?<BR><BR>While I will probably never be able to offer you monitary support, I do offer you my moral support, aned hope you continue to show your personnal brand of bravery; both the kind that you have shown on the battlefield, and the kind that you show in your openness in being a gay soldier. Let’s hope that one day, and soon, the unnecessary word “gay” will no longer be needed when identifying a person as a “soldier.<BR><BR>GS
jimmycad on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
What are the chances of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy being overturned in 2009 with a new President in office? I believe only a Democrat would allow this to happen.
Blueboy on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
First of all, thank you for your exemplary service. You are a credit to your country, its military services, and to those of us who also served but dare not speak out.<BR><BR>My question: Did anyone in the service ever denigrate, or “disrespect” you (the current lingo), for being gay?
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
I just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do (in the Army and for GLBT). It helps make our smaller battles a lot easier to win.
JT on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
I served for 15 (1985-2000) years in the Air Force mostly in the closet. I originally came out at the tender age of 15, but returned back into the closet to allow me to serve my country. Only a few knew about me as I joined before the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy came into effect. The ones who did know didn’t have any problems working beside me. We were all there to do a job/ mission. Some just don’t understand why someone who is gay would also want to be in the military.<BR>My question to you is, how has your military life been like since the 60 Minutes interview? Have you overheard any off-color remarks? Any buddies pull back and distance themselves from you? Has there been any discharge talk?<BR>Best of luck to you and yours.<BR>JT Hulan
James on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Hi from Afghanistan! I’m also an active duty medic deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. I’m keeping a close eye on this story and am hopeful it will help push us in the right direction. Don’t give up, Darren. You’re doing the right thing.
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Darren, Thanks for your service to our country, and for your bravery in coming out so publicly. Are you concerned about the consequences of returning to your unit now that you have spoken out publicly?