Darren Manzella - 60 Minutes and Discharge

60 Minutes and Discharge

Manzella came out on American news program 60 Minutes in 2007. He became the first openly gay service member on active duty to speak to the press from a war zone. His decision to appear on the show resulted from his opposition to the Don't ask, don't tell policy, and his desire to build momentum for its removal. He believes that gays and lesbians should be able to serve openly. He said that due to the 60 Minutes interview he would likely be discharged. He was placed on block leave. He worked with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a gay military organization and lobby group. Manzella was discharged with full benefits in June 2008 for acknowledging that he was gay. The DADT policy was repealed in 2011.