http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/13/politics/chelsea-manning-gender-reassignment-surgery/index.html

That's a surprise, good for Chelsea.

A great step in the right direction.  I hope this opens the way for other trans federal prisoners as well.

Now it's time for them also to let her grow out her hair.  From the article: "Last year, the Army agreed to provide her with hormone therapy but would not allow her to groom as a woman."

I understand federal prison is bummer.  But why does she have to serve decades in prison with a military buzz cut?

She's in a men's military prison and that is the standard. 

That's the same standard I'm held to. My name is changed, my gender marker isn't. I need to provide documentation from a doctor to change the gender marker, and so does she. After her surgery, she will be able to get a letter and apply for a gender marker change. After that, if the military recognizes it (don't see why they wouldn't) she can adopt the female grooming standards and presumably be moved to the womens prison.

Hugs, Devlyn

The new military rules take effect on 1 Oct.  I expect that within a year her gender designation will be changed and they will move her to the women's military prison in San Diego.

Awesome - the humane choice is made. Good for her.