Nickelodeon star Michael D Cohen reveals he transitioned 20 years ago

Nickelodeon star Michael D Cohen has revealed that he transitioned twenty years ago.

The Henry Danger star talked about his "transgender journey" in an interview with Time magazine, explaining that he doesn't like to be referred to by the term 'transgender'.

"I was misgendered at birth," Cohen said, revealing that he lived outwardly as female until he transitioned in 2000. "I identify as male, and I am proud that I have had a transgender experience – a transgender journey."

The actor said of his gender identity: "It is not random, it is not arbitrary, it is not chosen. It's like trying to negotiate with gravity.

"In my experience, I was born male. What my body said about it was irrelevant. No matter how hard I tried, it was not up for negotiation. Believe me, it would have been so convenient if I was actually a woman."

Cohen explained why he chose to speak out about his transition now - he feels that transgender rights in the US are being rolled back.

Read more: How to support children questioning their gender

"This crazy backlash and oppression of rights is happening right in front of me. I can't stay silent," he said.

"The level of – let's be polite – misunderstanding around trans issues is so profound and so destructive. When you disempower one population, you disempower everybody."

Cohen also says he doesn't feel comfortable with the term 'transgender', because: "I have worked so hard to get to the truth and I've taken on labels in the past that didn't feel true for the sake of convenience at that moment."