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The star of the viral 'Gingers Do Have Souls' video has today announced she is transgender .

YouTube vlogger CopperCab, whose former name is Michael Kittrell, reached the heights of internet fame six years ago when his emotional rant about getting bullied because of his red hair went viral.

It was viewed more than 40million times and was even parodied on an episode of South Park.

Today the 23-year-old announced she is transgender on Twitter, battling through an anxiety attack to release a clip on YouTube in which she talks about her decision.

CopperCab, who now wishes to be known as Claire, explained she hasn't uploaded a video in five months as she's been taking Hormone Replacement Therapy.

(Image: CopperCab)

She also revealed that she has been saving for surgery for a year but wouldn't go into any further details.

Claire said: "I'm not going to live another year of my life pretending to be someone else. I'm just not going to do it.

"I don't care if you call me ugly, if you call me a 'tranny', if you call me names, if you want to pick on me then that's fine - but I'm going to be myself, whether you can accept that or not.

"And that goes for my family, that goes for my friends - friend - that goes for any friends online. And that's that. I mean, I'm not going to pretend anymore."

Explaining how Caitlyn Jenner helped with her decision to come out and how much more natural she feels dressing as a woman, Claire continues: "I want to be happy. I don't want to feel trapped anymore."

"I can't put on a mask anymore. I'm done. I feel more naked wearing make-up than I did ever being actually naked.

(Image: CopeprCab)

"I feel like myself. I feel normal. I feel comfortable - more comfortable than I ever have been - even if my make-up's not that good or it's runny.

"I just feel more comfortable in my own skin, accepting the fact that who I am on the inside isn't going to change when I dress a certain way.

"I'm always going to feel like a woman. I am a woman - in every sense of the word. I just don't have the outer appearance and I'm going to continue to work on that for the next year or so.

"I feel a lot better just making this video, even though I'm having a slight panic attack."

"This is me.. My name is Claire and this is the beginning of my life. Wish me luck."

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Her video immediately prompted comments from other YouTube users, with one saying: "I'm so proud of you for doing this. I'm trans and I feel like I'll never be able to come out. You're so brave.

"Ignore all the transphobic people that still call you he because you're a she c: I wish you luck in your transition﻿."

Another wrote: "Glad you are being who you are, Claire. Great job. I've watched you from the beginning, and it's amazing seeing your transformation. Good luck in your future!﻿"

We wish Claire luck on her journey.