Tommy Dorfman of '13 Reasons Why' comes out as trans in a powerful new interview

Tommy Dorfman, 13 Reasons Why's Ryan Shaver, decided to open up in a powerful interview with TIME.

In conversation with author Torrey Peters, Dorfman admits to taking this opportunity to clarify her gender: "I am a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her. My name is Tommy," she said. 

As the interview dropped on July 22nd, Dorfman took to Instagram to share images from the shoot and share her thoughts about the experience. 

"I’m especially grateful to every single trans person who walked this path, broke down barriers, and risked their lives to live authentically and radically as themselves before me," she wrote on the photo-sharing app. "Thank you to all the trans woman that showed me who I am, how to live, celebrate myself, and take up space in this world."

This comes on the heels of recent reveals from Demi Lovato, who identifies as non-binary, and Elliot Page, who has come out as transgender.

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An outpour of love and support followed from the likes of celebrities and media outlets. Comments on the post include "SO HAPPY FOR YOU! ❤️ You are beautiful and loved," and "So proud of you!!!!! ❤️."

Unfortunately, the announcement was also met with criticism, but Dorfman persevered and revealed her truth on social media, despite what anyone has to say.

This is the first time the actress has publicly acknowledged her transition (she had previously used they/them pronouns). She has said that she's identified as a woman for roughly a year and has undergone medical transitions as well.

However, this interview isn't the first time that Dorfman has shown support for the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this year, she teamed up with COS for exclusive T-shirts in collaboration with artist Coco Capitán. Proceeds went directly to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth.

Perhaps the most emotional and exciting part of the journey, however, is what's next.

"I feel like I haven't scratched the surface with my career or work because everything I've done up until the end of last year has been in the wrong body, and not in my truth," Dorfman revealed to TIME. "So much of my work as an actor was like, hiding this part of myself and then bringing life to a character. And so I think I'm just excited to play women. Trans women, cis women, women in general. Non-binary, femme-presenting people."

Tommy, fans are so excited to see what the world has in store for you. Read her full interview on TIME's website.