Chelsea Manning has spoken about experimenting with makeup, fashion and finding her style in the months since leaving prison earlier this year.
Manning writes in that now that she’s “out and free” she’s been able to be creative in expressing her identity.
“I love experimenting with makeup,” Manning says.
“I use it to project different moods and emphasise what I’m trying to say in a particular moment.
“Most days I put on a liquid foundation, some powder for highlights, eyeliner, a mascara base, and mascara, with either a lipstick or gloss for the day.
“I’m wearing a lot of bold lipsticks, because I’m trying to make bold statements: I’m here and I’m free and I can do whatever I want.”
Manning also spoke about the famous black and photograph that—up until her release—was the world’s only impression of her.
“The first time the world saw me as I see me is that picture that went viral of me in the blond wig, which I sent to my superior.
“I took that picture for myself when I was on leave in January of 2010. I took it as a little memento of who I was at that moment. I never intended it to be shared with the world.
“When I look at that picture now, I see me — but I see me in a phase of trying to figure myself out. I’m much closer to who I am today than I was in that photo. But it was a process to get here.”
Transgender military ban
Manning noted that she was in Washington when Trump announced via Twitter his plans to ban transgender troops from the US military.
“I happened to be 10 blocks from the White House,” she says.
“There was a spontaneous protest going on, and before going I spent a split second considering what I was wearing — all-black clothing, Doc Martens, women’s pants from 5.11 Tactical — and if I should change.
"But I realised I don’t have to dress a certain way, I can just be me.
"For the Instagram picture, I put on my dark lipstick, and I choose my lipstick colours carefully.
"I’m not just saying, “I like this edgy colour.” This is an expression of my humanity. And beauty, to me, is self-expression."
The activist commented on her plans for the future—not ruling out a run for office—but says, for now, she’s not ready to make that decision yet.
“Right now I’m just settling into my new apartment, I’m watching the . I’m not discounting any of the bigger things, but I need to buy a couch and a coffee table first.”
