Chelsea Manning is teaching me a lot about my "compatriots" today [View all]

[Scootaloo]

See, until fairly recently, I had thought that those who were brooding and angry at Manning were angry and offended by the actions she took, the leaking of information and the apparent embarrassment of the US armed forces. I did not agree with their opinion, but I thought that's all that it was.

But now that she has come out about her gender dysphoria, I see that for many people, this anger and bitterness has apparently morphed into hate and outright rage, even here on DU. For many this has become something to attack, an avenue to slander and assault not just Manning but by extension others like her.

I for one would like to extend a hand to the trans persons of DU, and their friends and families to let you know that even amid the hate and rage directed at you, you have far more of us standing with you than against you.