A “whistleblower” is any individual who brings information to the public about their government that they believe the public has a right to know. From your history classes, you might recall the “Pentagon Papers” that blew the Watergate scandal open and caused Richard Nixon to resign. More recently, many of us remember Edward Snowden releasing classified documents during his time as an analyst at the National Security Agency. But while Snowden remains safe in relative comfort abroad, PFC Chelsea Manning of the United States Army is still in detention, arrested for releasing documents about torture policy in Iraq, breaching her non-disclosure agreement as an analyst for the Army.

Journalists and supporters at the Chelsea Manning Support Network report that Chelsea, who has been denied basic necessities (her hunger strike not withstanding) during her internment, has finally been granted gender transition surgery and hormone therapy. This is important in light of Manning’s attempted suicide earlier this year. Manning is sentenced to 35 years in prison for her brave decision to leak documents to WikiLeaks, and yet few Americans lionize Manning the same way many do for Snowden. Why is this?

It may have more than a little to do with Manning’s gender, as well as the lack of awareness and utter ambivalence that Americans have towards the Middle East. Chelsea Manning, legally, has committed treason, according to the laws of the State. But Manning deserves a fair trial and to be treated humanely during her internment. Her treason is more true to the spirit of the liberties that America as an idea professes to espouse than those who demonize her voice in the “interests of national security”. The secrecy and colonialist impulses of the United States Armed Forces are not instincts to be tolerated, much less lauded. The conviction and detention of Chelsea Manning is one of the singular greatest crimes of the U.S. judicial system: a crime that has gone consistently unchallenged by the American public, for whose sake Manning sacrificed herself. Americans speak of “supporting the troops” for their “sacrifices” overseas, but fail to see irony when a soldier has committed true sacrifice or when a soldier has endured torturous life in prison treated as a man to outdated Army standards.

Americans will continue to ignore Manning’s case and the United States will continue to protect its own interests over the interests of its people. The day when Americans realize that the State cares little for the livelihoods of everyday citizens, when Americans rise up against the evils of imperialism and oppression, is the day when Manning will be recognized for what she is: a hero.