Lea Salonga and her trans son, Nic Chien, recently opened up exclusively to PEOPLE about their journey towards support and acceptance. The Broadway star shared insights into her parenting approach towards Nic, who came out as transmasculine at the age of 14. This revelation prompted a reflection on what support should look like between queer children and their parents.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/leasalonga-nic-tout-491544403e7f481687b749f836f41a54.jpg)
Salonga, known for her iconic roles in musical theatre, drew parallels between her theatrical experiences and raising her son. She highlighted the importance of allowing Nic to express his true self and be supported in his identity. As a seasoned performer, Salonga shared that her years on stage prepared her for the unpredictable nature of parenthood.
At 18 years old, Nic finds himself navigating the complexities of adolescence and gender identity. Assigned female at birth, he bravely embarked on his transition journey by starting testosterone therapy earlier this year. Despite the challenges that come with self-discovery and self-acceptance, Nic has found solace in his family’s unconditional acceptance and support.
When Nic first came out to his mother, there was a moment of uncertainty as they navigated this new chapter together. However, Salonga’s proactive approach to understanding and supporting Nic set a positive tone for their ongoing dialogue. Their bond has been pivotal in Nic’s transition, demonstrating the power of familial love and acceptance.
Salonga emphasised the importance of meeting each child where they are and tailoring parenting approaches to suit individual needs. She stressed that every child is unique and requires a personalised approach to nurture their growth and development. The veteran actress advocated for creating a safe and empowering environment for children to thrive on their own terms.
Nic, expressing a desire to follow in his mother’s footsteps in the world of performing arts, shared his excitement about future projects, including an upcoming production of Into the Woods. As he prepares for college, Nic looks forward to exploring his passion for theatre while continuing to bond with his mother over their shared love for musicals.
In a world where acceptance and understanding are not always guaranteed for queer individuals, the Salonga-Chien family stands as a beacon of love and support. Through their shared experiences and mutual respect, Lea and Nic have demonstrated the power of parental support in a journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance.
As Nic bravely navigates his path as a trans teenager, he remains optimistic about the future while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. With his family by his side, including a mother who champions LGBTQ+ rights, Nic finds comfort in knowing that he is not alone in his journey towards authenticity and living life on his own terms.