Lea with her trans son Nic Chien. Image from Instagram
Filipino Broadway superstar Lea Salonga shared how she became a fierce ally to her trans child Nic Chien to make him feel “safe” amid his emotional transition journey.
The mother-and-son recently graced the April cover of US magazine People where Salonga opened up how she expressed her support and respect to her son’s choices.
“The one thing I’ve learned is that you have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised,” she said. “As a parent, I want to set my child up for success.”
“I want my child to feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms. You have to meet your child where they are,” the actress-singer continued.
Nic, who was assigned female at birth, realized he was transmasculine at 14, said it took “a lot of crying” as he navigated the changes.
“I’m still figuring it out. It took a while. A lot of crying,” he said. “She (Salonga) just didn’t want my life to be as hard as it would be.”
The now 18-year-old noted that he had many conversations with his parents, which always felt “very accepting” so he was never afraid of opening up his feelings to them.
“Sometimes I feel alone, but I’m not. It does really help to have people in your corner,” he said.
Salonga posted her and Nic’s magazine cover on Instagram which received several comments from celebrities, who alongside celebrated the latter’s coming out.
“Hamilton” star Lin-Manuel Miranda, drag artist Eva Le queen, and South Korean-American singer Kevin Woo, among others, left many hearts to offer their support to the duo.
While Filipina actresses Dolly de Leon and Iza Calzado cheered the mother-and-son tandem for sharing their story.
“Love this and so much love for you both! Forever your fan Ate [@msleasalonga] and I am rooting for you [@nicchien_official],” Calzado wrote.
Image: Instagram/@msleasalonga
Salonga and Nic will share the stage in the upcoming Philippine production of “Into the Woods” in August, with Salonga playing the Witch and Nic as Jack.