As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me," Manning said in the statement. "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 as possible. I hope that you will support me in this transition."While his supporters may back Manning, the Army said Thursday it won't.
One Army official, who was not
authorized to speak publicly about Manning's case, said the private remains a
male in the eyes of the Army. Another said Manning would be treated like any
other prisoner.
"A lot of the inmates have issues
they're dealing with," said the second official, who also was not authorized to
speak publicly about Manning's case. "Even if you have gender identity disorder,
you still serve your sentence."