Tommy Dorfman reintroduced herself as a trans woman. She thanked everyone who had been supportive of her throughout her journey as well as the trans people who had carved out the path before her.

The 13 Reasons Why star took to Instagram to share her decision and also discussed her gender with Torrey Peters on Time.

Dorfman stated explicitly that the interview was about clarity and who she was.

I view today as a reintroduction to me as a woman, having made a transition medically. Coming out is always viewed as this grand reveal, but I was never not out. Today is about clarity: I am a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her. My name is Tommy.

Though she hadn’t announced her transition publicly, Dorfman had been posting about it on her Instagram for the last year, saying it served as a diaristic time capsule of her body living in a more fluid space. 

Dorfman explained her decision to come forward and clarify her gender and transition, saying it would strip her of freedom to control her narrative.

Dorfman Won’t Change Her Name

During the interview, Dorfman also revealed that she will not be changing her name. She was named after her mother’s brother, who passed away a month after she was born. Because of this, she shares a special connection to the name and will stick to it.

The actress also added that she was just transitioning into more of herself rather than just changing her name or identity. It was also for this reason that she did not go for the older way of coming out as a trans person with a new name, face, and body after disappearing for a year or two.

Not Interested In Playing “Male” Characters

Dorfman is no longer interested in playing “male” characters. And though her transitioning can affect her career, she says she is done with playing male characters as she is now a woman.

It’s impossible for me to separate my personal and professional transition, because my body and face are linked to my career. I’m most recognized for playing a bitchy gay poet on a soap opera, and I feared that by actively transitioning in my personal life, I would lose whatever career I’ve been told I’m supposed to have.

Dorfman landed her first role as a girl last year and is looking for ways to continue playing in movies and television shows with her new reintroduced self.

Post Transition Changes

After Dorfman’s transition, many things have changed for her, with one of them being the type of romantic partner she seeks. She was previously in a relationship with a gay man for nine long years.

Now, with her becoming a trans woman, Dorfman says she still loves him but her interest in him as a romantic partner has changed.

The pair has since redefined their relationship as friends.