Today, Army Private Chelsea (formerly Bradley) Manning came out as a transgender. She is asking everyone, including the press to refer to her as female. She said, "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."

There were many immediate attacks by the conservative press including this one from Laura Ingraham - Laura Ingraham tweeted "So Manning wants to live as a woman. Let me guess, we have to pay for it.” Yes - Laura - we do have to pay for it - if there is healthcare involved - when someone is in jail. Chelsea Manning should receive humane treatment during her incarceration.