WATCH: Trans Singer Says She's Identified With Madonna Since Childhood

Transgender musician Laura Jane Grace says she was mesmerized by Madonna as a child and identified with her on two levels--as a performer and as a female, during an interview with MTV News.

Grace, formerly known as Tom Gabel of the punk band Against Me!, came out as transgender last month in Rolling Stone. She told the publication she feels it's important to be a role model because of the visibility of the band and the rarity of openly trans musicians.

MTV will post a full interview with Grace Tuesday. Watch her speak about Madonna in the clip below.