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Talking with Darren: Part of the SLDN Family

Last night, after watching Lesley Stahl's report on 60 Minutes with Army Sergeant Darren Manzella (pictured), I sent an email to Darren, letting him know how proud we all are of him, and asking if he had any thoughts to share with SLDN's supporters. From Washington to Kuwait and back again, here's an exclusive SLDN conversation with Darren. Q: What motivated you to come out on 60 Minutes? A: I saw a chance that so few individuals have the opportunity to participate in. I saw a chance to get on national television and just tell my story and try to relay to millions of Americans how hurtful the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is to this country's military. It was an opportunity to notify the country that I am open about my homosexuality to my command and colleagues and that the Army has not fallen apart due to my confession. Q: After notifying your command and colleagues of the story, what has been their reaction? A: I have not recieved any notification, positive or negative, from my command since I notified them of my participation in the story or since the broadcasting of the segment. Q: As someone serving on the frontlines, what do you hear from other troops about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?” What do you think is the future of the law? A: I have served with many men and women in Iraq, Kuwait and throughout the United States. In my opinion, they do not care if a service member is gay or straight. These men and women are my brothers and sisters in arms and I am the same to them. I know that what matters to most is not the sexual orientation of the person in your unit. What matters most is if that person is a good worker, a team player and most importantly, if that person has your back when it rewally matters whether it be in a combat zone, during a training exercise or day to day operations. I think that a majority of troops are in favor, or at the very least indifferent, to the repeal of this policy. I find that many are surprised that so much power and influence over the fate of this policy lies in the hands of individuals who are not even in the ranks of the military. Q: What do you want SLDN supporters to know about your experience, the 60 Minutes story and the campaign to repeal this law? A: I would like the supporters of SLDN to know that when I first came out to my command I felt alone. Like I was an individual that did something wrong. Now I feel like part of family and I know that this family will always be supportive and protective of me. I feel pride as well. I am so proud to be a part of something that may soon bring down a policy that forces individuals to remain silent and not publicly confess who they truly are. I am so blessed to have the staff at SLDN work with me and assist me. They have been my backbone in every phase that I have gone through, from my coming out to my command to my notifying them of the 60 Minutes episode broadcast. To have people be so devoted to helping you give a voice to thousands of gay and lesbian service members is a feeling that I never thought I would experience. You can send Darren a message of support, via SLDN, by emailing him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). - Steve Ralls

Labels: Darren Manzella, sldn clients, SLDN on 60 Minutes

12-17-07