Below is an essay written by Steven Stanton 's son Travis after he learned that his father was going to become a woman . The story of his father 's transformation can be seen on `` Her Name Was Steven '' at 8 and 11 p.m . ET Saturday on CNN . Throughout my whole life , I thought my dad was a really tough guy . He went out with the cops and busted bad guys . He shot guns , fought fires , he was an aggressive driver , and he liked football and lots of sports . Then , one day my thoughts changed about him when we had a family meeting and he told me how he felt about himself . He said he felt like a woman on the inside and was going to change into one . He said he tried his best to be a manly guy , but he could n't stop his feelings to become a girl . I was very surprised to hear this . At first , I thought I was in a dream . It was very hard to believe such a thing . I thought he was a 100 % manly man , like more manly than most guys . After a few days , I thought about it . I knew he was making the right choice to become a girl . Although I ca n't relate to his feelings , it must be really hard to hide something like that . It would be like having one million dollars and not being able to spend it . After just so long , your feelings would take over and spend it . Now , though , I am very proud of my dad . Read Travis ' response to some viewer questions about his father . After I saw him , and saw that inside he was the same dad as he always was : he still likes football , he still likes to be an aggressive driver . He is still the same person , but just different on the outside . I am very happy for him now that he is who he wants to be . I think that everyone should be who they are and not try to be the same as other people . If you ask me , this has got to be the manliest thing he has done in his whole life . It takes a real man to come out of your shell and say , `` hey , I am who I am '' and take the responsibility of doing that . In conclusion , I thought my dad was a man , like , gender wise , but now he is who he is meant to be . He is himself .
Susan Stanton is son of Travis Stanton , who underwent sex-change operation . Susan Stanton says he 's happy for his father . Watch ` ` Her Name Was Steven '' at 8 and 11 p.m . ET a few days on CNN .