Army OKs Hormone Therapy for Chelsea Manning

Chelsea Manning has won a transgender victory from the military: The Army has agreed to provide the jailed private with hormone therapy as Manning makes the transition from man to woman, reports USA Today. The Pentagon hasn't announced the decision, but the newspaper obtained a Feb. 5 memo from the Fort Leavenworth commander: "After carefully considering the recommendation that (hormone treatment) is medically appropriate and necessary, and weighing all associated safety and security risks presented, I approve adding (hormone treatment) to Inmate Manning's treatment plan," wrote Col. Erica Nelson.

It will be a first for the US military. Manning is serving a 35-year sentence for leaking military secrets but is eligible for parole in seven years. She wants to live as a woman, and it's not clear yet when the hormone therapy will begin. Another piece of Manning good news: The Guardian newspaper has hired her as a columnist, reports Salon. (Here's a sample of one of Manning's op-eds.)