Manning states, "I am female"

[Paraselene]

Is it possible that he might make this claim this so he will be transfered to a different prison, get some other legal benefits or to simply complicate legal procedures?

Already mentioned above:

When asked whether Private Manning’s ultimate goal was to be housed in prison with women, instead of men, Mr. Coombs said, “No, I think the ultimate goal is to be comfortable in her skin and to be the person that she’s never had an opportunity to be.”