I have no problem calling Pvt. Manning Chelsea or using
pronouns associated with women. But, I haven't written much about her so far, and am even less likely to write about her in the future, now that the trial is over. I suspect she will have considerable difficulty with her transition, though, as long as she is in a military prison. Difficulty, because it seems unlikely that the authorities are unlikely to consider that transition as any sort of priority. In fact, since it is a complication, I doubt they will consider it at all.
If a lawsuit is filed, it will take a long time to proceed and will no doubt generate appeals, as well. By the time it is settled, Chelsea will probably be out on parole and can continue her transition. In the meantime, though, her problems are far larger than whether people call her Chelsea on the Internet or use appropriate pronouns.
Doing time in a military prison cannot be an easy thing, under any circumstances, and the more complex the issues, the less easy it will be, I'm sure. Prisons are places where standing out is not a positive thing, generally. I'd counsel Chelsea to be as inconspicuous as possible while serving whatever time she serves.
= new reply since forum marked as read
