Wikileaks soldier who was sentenced to 35 years in prison will live the remainder of her life as a woman
The US WikiLeaks soldier sentenced to jail for 35 years has come out as transgender and will live the rest of her life as a woman.
‘I am Chelsea Manning,’ the 25-year-old revealed today (22 August), after she was convicted of 20 charges including espionage.
In a statement written by the soldier, called ‘The Next Stage of My Life’, she spoke about her gender identity and her supporters.
Manning said: ‘I want to thank everybody who has supported me over the last three years.
‘Throughout this long ordeal, your letters of support and encouragement have helped keep me strong.
‘I am forever indebted to those who wrote to me, made a donation to my defense fund, or came to watch a portion of the trial.’
‘I want everyone to know the real me.’ Manning added. ‘I am Chelsea Manning, I am a female.
‘Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin hormone therapy as soon.’
During Manning’s trial, the defense suggested her struggles with gender identity were a factor in her decision to leak the documents.
by James Peckman
Source – Gay Star News
