Punk rocker Gabel to become a woman (From Messenger Newspapers)

Punk rocker Gabel to become a woman

8:49am Wednesday 9th May 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Tom Gabel, the married lead singer of punk rock band Against Me!, is to become a woman.

The 31-year-old, whose new name will be Laura Jane Grace, tells Rolling Stone magazine's June issue that as a child he felt disconnected from his body and has a condition called gender dysphoria.

He says he plans to take hormones, undergo electrolysis and is also considering gender reassignment surgery.

"Growing up, my experience with transsexualism was nothing but shame," he said.

Gabel says he is not attracted to men and will still be married to his wife. They have a two-year-old daughter.

Against Me! are best known for the song Thrash Unreal. The group will go on tour with The Cult later this month.

The June issue of Rolling Stone hits US news stands on Friday.