(Getty)

A high school principal has come out as trans in a powerful message to staff and students.

Asa Cain Sevelius became the first Brookline, Massachusetts principal to come out as transgender.

In fact, he was the first trans administrator to come out in his district.

In an email sent to families on Wednesday, Dr Sevelius explained his reasons for transitioning and coming out.

He said: “Dear Heath Community, I am writing to all of you to share some powerful news about me. I am transgender.”

Going on, Dr Sevelius said he decided to come out because of his public role in the school community.

He was supported by Superintendent Andrew Bott, who offered support and said coming out will improve the principal’s working life.

“I appreciate and deeply respect Dr. Sevelius. He is being open, courageous, and honest. As he wrote to families, his transition has come after many years, prolonged introspection, and careful and critical conversations with family and close friends.

“I fully agree with what Dr. Sevelius said in his letter to families — the ability to live life openly and authentically will make him a stronger, more effective school leader,” Bott said.

The Principal joined the Heath School in 2014 as vice principal.

After serving as interim principal, Sevelius was appointed permanently this year.

Sevelius has used his personal experience of being trans, having worked as part of the Gender Identity Leadership Group which works for district protocols for students who come out as trans.

The principal posted on Twitter to say that he had received a positive response to his coming out.

He wrote: “Filled up with love and hope this morning.”

Earier this year a WWII veteran came out as trans at the age of 90 – she said she had known since early childhood.

A contestant from the hit show ‘Survivor’ later came out as transgender.

Zeke Smith, who has appeared on the show twice, came out as trans after being outed in front of other contestants.