Bradley Manning: I Want To Live as a Woman Named Chelsea

Bradley Manning, the soldier who was just sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking classified documents, has come out to say he would like to live as a woman named Chelsea and begin hormone replacement therapy.

“I am Chelsea Manning. I am female,” a statement read on the Today show stated. “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),” the statement continued. “I look forward to receiving letters from supporters and having the opportunity to write back.”