Well-known Flemish TV reporter from now on through life as a woman

brussels - VTM journalist Boudewijn Van Spilbeeck, a familiar face on Flemish television, is now going through life as a woman. That made his employer VTM known Monday night. 'This will happen to many as totally unexpected, but for me and my environment it is not,' Van Spilbeeck said in a personal message. According to Belgian media, the news is a shock to many outsiders, but far less a surprise for his environment.

The broadcaster says that Van Spilbeeck disappears from the screen during the transition and then returns as a woman. The journalist, who mainly reports on foreign issues, will henceforth go through life as Bo.

'I do not take lightly my decision to change sex. For decades I have lived with that duality between my male body and my feminine feelings, 'the reporter said. Van Spilbeeck is still together with his wife. The couple has two children. 'As the first known face that is doing such a transition in Flanders, I realize that this news can be a shock. But I hope that I can play a role in the social acceptance of transgender people. '

Read his entire statement here.

From Tuesday, the reporter is already working in her new gender role, VTM reports in a press release. 'The chief editors and colleagues of VTM Nieuws and the whole of Medialaan support Bo in her decision. At VTM Nieuws she will continue to exercise the same tasks as before. '

'All our editors support the transition and Bo will give a warm welcome', says editor-in-chief Kris Hoflack.