WHEN courageous Tegan Dyason stepped through the school gates dressed as a girl for the first time, it was an emotional moment for mum Michelle who was both losing a son, and gaining a daughter.

Tegan, 8, was born a boy and lived as Tom until she came out as transgender aged just six.

3 Mum Michelle and daughter Tegan in matching outfits Credit: Mirrorpix

Speaking to the Mirror, Tegan admitted that slipping into a school skirt rather than trousers made her "a million per cent happy."

The youngster finally admitted to her mum that she felt like a girl after an incident in the playground left her in tears.

Tegan had always enjoyed playing with toys and games that were more traditionally seen as 'girly' but when another child called her 'gay' Tegan was devastated.

She said: "I told them I wasn't gay – I was a girl."

3 Tegan (right) as Tom, with older brother Josh Credit: Mirrorpix

Tegan was born in May 2009, a younger brother to Josh who is three years older, but growing up the boys clearly didn't share the same interests.

'Boys' toys were rejected, sometimes thrown across the room, and instead, Tegan chose dresses, dolls, Barbies and mermaids.

Single mum, Michelle recalls that Tegan was always putting tea-towels, t-shirts or towels on his head, to mimic having long hair, and had a full blown tantrum, aged three, wanting his mum to buy him a dress in the supermarket.

Tegan loved watching his mum getting ready to go out and would often dress up in girls clothes.

Michelle was happy to let her son be himself, thinking that it was just a phase, but when Tegan turned six, it became clear that this wasn't something Tegan was going to grow out of.

After the incident at school left Tegan upset and angry, Michelle spoke to Tegan who broke down saying; "I'm not gay, I want to be a girl,"

Michelle could see that Tegan saw herself as a girl and took her to their GP.

After being referred to Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust's gender identity clinic and working with a child psychologist, Tegan started to live part time as a girl, wearing dresses and skirts when she was at home.

But at school she was still Tom and Tegan now admits that wearing the boys uniform made her feel "sick".

3 Tegan and big brother Josh ready for school - wearing girls uniform has made Tegan "a million times happier." Credit: Mirrorpix

With big-brother Josh finished his Year 6 exams and moving on to secondary school, it was decided that it was time for Tegan to live full time as a girl, including at school.

Tegan's school have been supportive of her transition, and sent letters to parents of other children in her class before Tom became Tegan at school.

Putting on her blue cardigan, skirt, white socks and patent shoes for that first day at school was a big moment for the whole family.

Michelle said she felt nervous and emotional as she walked Tegan to school for the first time.

Tegan too was nervous and worried about being bullied, but the kids and parents reacted in the best way possible.

"Wow, you look nice this year!" said one child.

Mum Michelle decided to speak about her daughter's experiences, because she wants more people to be aware of transgender issues in young children.

Tegan isn't receiving any medical intervention, and will continue to live her life as a girl until her early teens before any hormones can be given to help her transition permanently to life as a female.

For now, she's loving life as a girl and says she's the "happiest girl alive."

Big brother Josh is proud of his sister and chuffed that she's finally getting to be herself saying: "Tegan has always been my little sister. I'm really happy and proud because I know she is now herself."

If you or a family member is feeling like Tegan did, Charity Mermaids was set up to support children who feel at odds with their birth gender, and their parents.