Wikileaks mole Chelsea Manning is suing US Army and Department of Defense officials over their refusal to assist her in transitioning from male to female.
The lawsuit says that Manning, who is serving a 35-year sentence, has been “denied access to medically necessary treatment for her gender dysphoria” and will “compel defendants to treat her serious medical need consistent with their obligation under the Constitution.”
The U.S. Department of Defense, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and two commanding officers are named in the lawsuit.
Formerly known as Pfc. Bradley Manning, the incarcerated soldier complains that she is unable to express her gender identity—by the name and initials printed on her prison apparel, how she is to groom herself, and “the titles and courtesies used by the staff,” she explained in a written statement to NBC News.
“Ultimately, I just want to be able to live my life as the person that I am, and to be able to feel comfortable in my own skin,” Manning said.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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