Yesterday, PFC Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison, with a possibility of parole after 1/3 of the sentence has been served. She will get nearly 4 years credit for time served, including a 112 day sentence reduction for harsh treatment while in custody.
Today – the day after her sentencing – Manning released a statement confirming her gender as female and requesting feminine pronouns and her preferred name, Chelsea, be used. We respect and honor this request and have updated information throughout the site to reflect her stated preferences. Please see our mailing list for information about addressing letters to Chelsea.
Below is a transcript of the statement read this morning on the Today show by defense attorney David Coombs.
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
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