Film-maker Lilly Wachowski has spoken about feeling forced to come out publicly as a transgender woman, following “threatened” outings by members of the press.

In a statement sent to Chicago's Windy City Times, writer-director Wachowski said: “I knew at some point I would have to come out publicly. You know, when you’re living as an out transgender person it’s… kind of difficult to hide.

“I just wanted – needed some time to get my head right, to feel comfortable. But apparently I don’t get to decide this.”

Wachowski, 48, explained that she had already prepared a statement to give to the press following previous indications her story was about to be shared without her consent, but that her hand was forced when a journalist knocked on her door earlier this week.

“He proceeded to explain he was a journalist from the Daily Mail, which was the largest news service in the UK and was most definitely not a tabloid. And that I really had to sit down with him tomorrow or the next day or next week so that I could have my picture taken and tell my story which was so inspirational! […]

“After he had given me his card, and I closed the door it began to dawn on me where I had heard of the Daily Mail. It was the ‘news’ organization that had played a huge part in the national public outing of Lucy Meadows, an elementary school teacher and trans woman in the UK.

“Apparently I don't get to decide this” Matrix director Lilly Wachowski on coming out as a transgender woman