"You have to meet your kid where they are": Broadway icon Lea Salonga opens up about supporting her trans son

Renowned Broadway singer Lea Salonga has opened up about her journey supporting her 18-year-old transgender son, Nic Chien, and emphasized the importance of understanding and acceptance in parenting.

The mother-son duo sat down for an interview with People Magazine to talk about how important it is for parents to support their children through their personal journeys.

Nic, Salonga’s only child with her entrepreneur husband Robert Chien, began identifying as transmasculine at the age of 14. When he first came out to his mother, he got “an okay reaction” because she thought he was nonbinary.

Earlier this year, Nic began his testosterone treatment. He admits that his situation is “indeed challenging” and an “emotional process,” but amidst it all, he acknowledges his family’s support.

"They've been very accepting, and my mom just didn't want my life to be harder than it had to be,” he revealed.

Salonga, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, believes that:

“Every child that comes into this world is different. You have to meet your kid where they are."

The “We Could Be In Love” songstress further said that parenting comes with expectations.

“Homework needs to get done… I'm glad that this kid can cook and do his own laundry and doesn't forget to feed the cat! But really, the one thing that I've learned is that you have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised.”

For the Broadway icon, this goes to “literally any kid,” saying,

“As a parent, I want to set my child up for success. The grown-ups in the room need to help kids feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms.”

Meanwhile, when asked for advice for other parents who have queer kids, Nic said,

“Just love your kid. And if you don't, why did you have kids in the first place?”

Acknowledging the challenges ahead of his journey, the teen remains hopeful, especially with his support system. Looking at his mom, he said,

“Sometimes I feel alone, but I'm not. It does really help to have people in your corner.”

Lea Salonga, trans son Nic Chien to star in Into the Woods musical in August

Meanwhile, Nic is slated to star in the Philippine production of Into the Woods musical as Jack, while Salonga will portray the role of the Witch. Following his mother’s theatrical footsteps, he stated that it has been his lifelong dream to “play boy characters.”

During the interview, the two also revealed their favorite activity: watching musicals and chatting about them over dinner.

Into the Woods is set to kick off in August at Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, Philippines.

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