As has been reported, as of today, the proper name to use when referring to the leaker of the Cablegate cables and the Collateral Murder video is Chelsea Manning. The proper pronoun to use is "she". Let's respect her decision.
Sadly, not everyone will.
More below the fold.
First, her official statement:
Subject: The Next Stage of My Life
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 would especially like to thank Courage to Resist and the Bradley Manning Support Network for their tireless efforts in raising awareness for my case and providing for my legal representation.
As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me. 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. I also request that, starting today, you refer to me by my new name and use the feminine pronoun (except in official mail to the confinement facility). I look forward to receiving letters from supporters and having the opportunity to write back.
Thank you,
Chelsea E. Manning
So was Chelsea's statement today. Just as quick came the official response of the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth:
"The Army does not provide hormone therapy or sex-reassignment surgery for gender identity disorder.” Citing a policy of non-discrimination based on race, rank, ethnicity or sexual orientation – but not gender identity – the the USDB statement said that, “All inmates are considered soldiers and are treated as such with access to mental health professionals, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, social workers and behavioral science noncommissioned officers with experience in addressing the needs of military personnel in pre- and post-trial confinement.”
From the horse's mouth - it's not okay to discrimate... except against trans people. It's okay to discriminate against them. So no treatment for her except to talk to people. Never mind that 30-40% of trans people attempt suicide at some point in their life.
No treatment. No dignity.
At least we can show her respect.