We don’t get to hear much from Chelsea Manning, so when she does speak out, it’s important to listen. For years, she’s been asking for medical treatment for gender dysphoria, and the government has been unresponsive. And so today she’s launching a hunger strike.
Her needs are reasonable: medically prescribed treatment to affirm her gender, and an end to military harassment. Not too much to ask, right?
Some of what she needs for her transition has already been provided, but it wasn’t easy. It took a 2014 lawsuit to force the Army to provide hormone therapy. But in other areas, she’s still being treated as a man: forced to cut her hair to male length, even though her own doctors recommended that the Army hold her to female grooming standards.
In a statement, she wrote:
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
“I need help. I needed help earlier this year. I was driven to suicide by the lack of care for my gender dysphoria that I have been desperate for. I didn’t get any. I still haven’t gotten any.”
Starting now, she won’t cut her hair, she won’t eat or drink, and she won’t obey orders. The statement doesn’t say what further medical treatment she needs, but then again, that’s really nobody’s business but hers and her doctor’s. If nothing else, hopefully it can bring whatever mistreatment she’s suffering to light.
Low Country Boy
@IDoNotHaveToAgreeWithYou: Dude, I am no fan of hers, for so many reasons, but you are effed up. Did you ever serve? This faggot did.
notcisjustmale
He’s lucky. They’re allowed to hang spies.
Low Country Boy
@notcisjustmale: Are you a professional troll? She.
DuMaurier
They’re being petty and vindictive (what–the military? A military PRISON???), but to be clear: hair length is not a “prescription”, it’s a “recommendation.” It took a lawsuit to get her hormone therapy, but she’s getting it. What she wants now–long hair, “female” personal products, accessories, etc–are things her doctors believe would help her emotional well-being, which I’m sure they would. But that’s probably an expectation you check at the door on the way into prison. Maybe these medical professionals should focus on helping Manning accept that being a woman doesn’t depend on hair length, specific shampoos, etc.
Chris
I am a fan of hers. What she did took b… uhhh wait, wrong body part.
Anyways, she helped expose the lies and corruption that undergirds so much of our present-day military activity and spying. Eventually, we will think of her the way we think of Daniel Ellsberg who leaked the Pentagon Papers 40+ years ago.
inbama
@Low Country Boy:
It’s totally hypocritical to slam someone for misgendering after using the word f-gg-t just two posts earlier.
highestbidder
No no no it is not important to listen when Manning speaks. This person is a traitor and will never be compared to Ellsberg who leaked to American newspapers and kept his business in the US. Manning leaked to Wiki leaks, which I believe to be an agent of, or at least extremely friendly to, the Russian government, which may not technically be an enemy government but it’s as close to it as you can get without open hostilities. And of course, where does Snowden wind up? Russia. And what government does Wikileaks never criticize or publish anything against? Russia. Hmm this is getting interesting, because what government encourages bias, discrimination and violence against LGBTQ persons? Russia. Manning is a traitor not only against her military brothers and sisters and her country, but all LGBTQ persons. And yes, low country boy, before you feel the need to ask, I am a Veteran.
Kim K Kute Kuchie
If she doesn’t obey orders, they have cause to kick her out of the service. period. What has she done for this country besides being such an attention … seeker (whores actually make money, ask “our icon” Robert S the gay bachelor)
Bob LaBlah
Chelsea dear, has the thought ever occurred to you that had you not did what you did your ass would not be in this position? If you get a chance honey be sure to tell us next time just what you GAINED by doing what you did.
stadacona
Should have executed this traitor.
gayhope1990
Freak.
John
Great but “Chelsea’s” gender re-assignment should be paid for by Chelsea. I am tired of people wanting medical procedures done and then hand the bill through whatever organization that the government (our tax dollars) are then dispersed to pay for it.