'I hope people will understand': Punk singer comes out as transgender

Tom — who will take the name of Laura Jane Grace — came out via an interview with Rolling Stone, revealing a past of gender dysphoria, a condition where a person feels the opposite biological sex.

"Growing up my experience with transsexualism was nothing but shame," Tom told Rolling Stone.

Tom's wife Heather has been incredibly supportive of Tom’s decision, which has come to some relief to the lead singer.

"For me, the most terrifying thing about this was how she would accept the news, but she's been super-amazing and understanding."

Transitioning is a lengthy and difficult process of treatments, psychological examinations and public scrutiny, but Tom is well aware of the work involved.

"I'm going to have embarrassing moments, and that won't be fun," Tom said of the transition period.

"But that's part of what talking to you [Rolling Stone] is about — is hoping people will understand, and hoping they'll be fairly kind."

The singer's plans following the transition are still uncertain, but hopefully "Laura" will continue to front the band.