August 21, 2013. Pvt. Manning post-sentencing press conference hosted the Bradley Manning Support Network and Courage to Resist. Featuring a statement from Bradley Manning, his family, and attorney David Coombs reacting to the 35 year prison sentence.
August 22, 2013. “The next stage of my life” by Pvt. Chelsea Manning
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
In response to her request, the Bradley Manning Support Network has been renamed the Private Manning Support Network, and we’ll be using “Chelsea Manning” and female pronouns here on forward. Chelsea has communicated that continued use of past images of her are fine, as updated images may not be forthcoming anytime soon. Additionally, for her mailing address and petitions to authorities, we’ll still need to use her legal name, “Bradley E. Manning.” – Jeff Paterson, Courage to Resist project director. August 23, 2013
“Courage to Resist has helped individuals who have taken brave stands, has been an important bridge between anti-war soldiers and civilians, and has helped both publicize and build the critical component of soldier resistance in ending war.”
