The Axis Of Awesome's Jordan Raskopoulos Comes Out As Transgender

Aussie comedian and one-third of The Axis Of Awesome, Jordan Raskopoulos, has come out as transgender in a video posted to the group's Facebook page today.

Addressing criticism from fans as to why he got rid of his facial hair in February last year, Raskopoulos said, "...There is a very good reason why I got rid of my beard and a very, very good reason why it is never, ever coming back and that reason is that I am transgender."

"Gender dysphoria is something I can remember dealing with ever since I was a kid, but I learned early on to be ashamed of it and to keep it a secret," she explained.

"And I did a really, really good job of good job of hiding it from everybody, including myself in a lot of ways."

Raskopoulos revealed that she decided to come out to her family and friends after a UK tour in late 2014 and began the transition process in March last year.

She went on to say that she initially feared making the transition would mark the end of her career in comedy, until she was inspired by others in the entertainment industry who have also come out as transgender, including The Matrix director Lana Wachowski and Against Me! founder Laura Jane Grace.

"...I'm going to carry on doing what I love and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it," Raskopoulos said.

"In fact I think it's really important that I do because being trans doesn't mean you have to give up on your life, or your friends, or your family, or your career, or your achievements. I'm going to continue doing exactly what I was doing before, and I'm going to be fucking awesome."

While Raskopoulos has confirmed she will keep her full name, she has adopted the middle names 'Nicola' and 'Bridget'.

The comedy trio revealed that now the news is out, they will get back to business following a quiet 2015, which includes the release of a new album this week, Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas, and a national tour kicking off later this month in Adelaide.

Check out the full video below.