Lea Salonga On Raising Trans Child: "Meet Them Where They Are"

Lea Salonga is renowned for her powerhouse stage performances, but offstage, she's just as dedicated to being a mom to Nic Chien. In an interview with People magazine, Lea and Nic opened up about their close bond and Nic's transition, a deeply emotional journey for their family.

Now 18, Nic came out as transmasculine at 14 and began taking testosterone earlier this year. Despite the challenges of transitioning, he's grateful for the support he's received from his mom and dad, Robert.

"I am still figuring it out," Nic admitted. "It took a while. A lot of crying!" "A lot of, 'You gotta tell me how you feel,'" he continued, "and a lot of, 'I don't know what I'm feeling.'" But with his parents' love and encouragement, he now feels safe and empowered in his journey.

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Lea, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, acknowledged that wholeheartedly supporting Nic through his transition was a learning experience for her too. "This was the most ideal situation for me," Nic said of his parents' acceptance. "And still, it was rough."

Nic also shared how his mom's support has helped him stay true to himself. "She just didn't want my life to be as hard as it would be," he said, recognizing Lea's efforts to protect him from the challenges of being trans. "She's always been a fierce ally," he added.

ALSO READ: Lea Salonga's Only Child At 17: 'Nic Is Living Their Best Life And I Couldn’t Be More Proud'

Lea Salonga's approach to parenting her trans child

Lea attributes much of her ability to support Nic's authentic self to the lessons she's learned from her career in musical theater. "Musical theater is quite an unpredictable, sometimes think-on-your-feet type of art form," she explained. "I've learned how to raise a child who is their own being."

For the Broadway legend, raising her trans child has meant learning to support him as the person he needs to be, not the person she might have imagined.

"You have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised," Lea shared. She emphasized the importance of meeting children "where they are," no matter their background or identity. "Literally any kid," she added, "Queer or otherwise. 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."

Truly, the supportive environment Nic's parents have created has allowed him to soar to new heights, fulfilling his dream of playing "boy characters" in theater. This August, he will join Lea in a production of Into the Woods in the Philippines, where he'll play Jack and Lea will take on the role of the Witch. Their shared love of musicals brings them closer, often bonding over dinner discussions about their favorite shows.

Though Nic's journey has had its difficulties, he remains hopeful. "Sometimes I feel alone, but I'm not," he shared. Looking to his mother, he added, "It does really help to have people in your corner."

Understanding what it means for your child to be transmasculine

Supporting a child who identifies as trans or transmasculine is a journey of understanding, acceptance, and growth. A transmasculine person is someone who was assigned female at birth but identifies more with masculinity, either in terms of gender identity or expression. This can show in different ways, from changes in physical appearance to how they engage in social roles, and it involves a process of exploring who they truly are.

For parents supporting their transmasculine child means navigating a personal journey with care, making sure the child feels seen, heard, and loved for who they are. It involves understanding the child's challenges and accepting their path to self-discovery. The process requires patience, open communication, and willingness to learn and adapt as the child's understanding of their gender evolves. Ultimately, it's about creating a supportive environment where the child can embrace their true self.

Read here for an expert's take on whether parents should confront their son if they think he might be gay.