Servicemembers Legal Defense Network / Queerty

» '60 Minutes' Gets Gay

CBS' long-running 60 Minutes spends at least some of this Sunday's time exploring the ins and outs of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. In addition to exploring Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Leslie Stahl sits down with Darren Manzella, the army sergeant who unceremoniously came out last June. From SLDN:

Manzella tells Stahl that he has received overwhelming support from both his fellow soldiers and superiors since coming out last year. Stahl’s report also looks at SLDN’s work in assisting service personnel such as Manzella, and the organization’s campaign to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
…
“Sergeant Manzella’s story illustrates the arbitrary and uneven enforcement of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said SLDN executive director Aubrey Sarvis. “Many commands, like Manzella’s, recognize that their lesbian and gay troops are instrumental in the work of defending our country."

Manzella recounts to Stahl how his commander called him into the office to investigate his queer disclosure. Despite Manzella's admission and pictures of his boyfriend, the military man simply told him to get back to his duties. "I was told to go back to work. There was no evidence of homosexuality. [My superior said,] You’re not gay." Another once said, "I don't care if you're gay or not." Someone tell Condi to tune in…

15 Responses

D.O.D. Moving Away from DADT?

Gays Welcome To Work For Pentagon

The Pentagon may be changing their tune on Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The Defense Department's Cynthia O. Smith released a statement saying that though they've been booted from the service, gay patriots can still help defend the nation.

[Gays and lesbians] have the opportunity to continue to serve their nation and national security by putting their abilities to use by way of civilian employment with other Federal agencies, the Department of Defense, or in the private sector, such as with a government contractor.

Gay defender defenders Servicemembers Legal Defense Network points out that this statement's the first time The Department of Defense has invited queers to help fight America's so-called good fight.

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Jun 26, 2007 · Link · 9 Responses

Army Accepts Knight (Again)

Booted Gay Gets Some Reserve Action

Jason Knight's on again, off again affair with the Navy seems to be on again.

Knight got the boot after coming out in 2004, but mysteriously invited him back, despite Don't Ask, Don't Tell's prohibition on the pansies. Following Knight's telling interview with Stars & Stripes, officials sacked him once again. Now, they've changed their military mind.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network explains:

Former Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Knight, a Hebrew linguist recently deployed to Kuwait, has been placed on Individual Ready Reserve duty until April 2009, despite publicly ‘coming out’ in national media outlets and being told he would receive a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” dismissal.

His dismissal form, however, declares "completion of service," not a 'Don't Ask' related retirement, thus making him eligible for IRR. Knight remarked of his reentry:

I was expecting to be dismissed under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ but am ready, willing and able to continue my service to the Navy if I am needed. My sexual orientation has never been an issue for my command or my colleagues; it should not be an issue for my country, either.

Well said, Mr. Knight. Now go on out there and protect us. We'll hold down the fort…

Jun 7, 2007 · Link · 1 Response