EMOTIONAL: Family goes public with story of how their daughter became their son

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A California family has gone public with the very personal story of how their young daughter became their son.

A video posted to YouTube by the Whittington family of San Diego late last week has been seen by nearly four million people since it was posted on May 27th.

In the video, Jeff and Hillary Whittington share the birth of their daughter Ryland in 2007.

In the video, Ryland's parents say after Ryland learned to talk, he began telling his parents he didn't want to be a girl -- and that he felt he was a boy.

Ryland's parents initially believed this was a phase -- and they struggled with how to respond.

Ryland's parents say it was easier for them to believe Ryland was simply a "tomboy."

Ryland's parents say the problem with believing this was a phase -- is that phases come to an end.

Ryland's desire to live as a boy was only getting stronger.

After seeking expert opinions across the spectrum of medical and mental health professionals, the Whittingtons decided at the age of five to allow their daughter to live as a boy.

WATCH:

CLICK HERE for more on this story via Q13FOX.com.