The Tony Award winner reflects on dysphoria, therapy, hormone treatment, and why unconditional love is non-negotiable.
Lea Salonga has never shied away from speaking her truth, and this time, the acclaimed musical theater icon opened up about one of the most personal journeys of her life: supporting her son, Nic Chien, through his transition.
Salonga shared that she and her former partner, Robert Chien, have remained united in prioritizing their son’s well-being. According to the Tony Award-winning actress, Nic’s transition has brought positive and affirming changes.
“When there is change, the voice drops, body hair, it is a much more positive outcome… I just want a happy kid,” Salonga shared during a recent media call for “Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular” in Parañaque City.
Supporting Nic Chien’s transition and mental health
Behind that progress, however, was a difficult period marked by dysphoria, one that deeply affected Nic’s mental health and overall quality of life. Salonga admitted that witnessing her child struggle was emotionally overwhelming.
“The dysphoria was a lot to deal with. It was affecting his mental health and every aspect of his life. To be his mom and to feel helpless is a terrible feeling,” she shared. “There is a feeling of guilt when you are unable to help your child. It is truly difficult.”
The role of therapy and hormone treatment
Salonga explained that a combination of support systems including therapy and hormone treatment played a crucial role in helping Nic feel more comfortable and confident in his own body.
“But with testosterone therapy and everything else, working with his therapist, just figuring out how to be happy in his body, being confident to show the results–everyone in the family is so happy that he knew what he wanted,” she said.
For Salonga, being a parent meant finding solutions and moving forward, no matter how challenging the process became. “My job as his mom was to try and figure out how to get things done,” she stated.
Addressing public opinion and personal life
While she acknowledged that not everyone agrees with the decisions made for her son’s health, Salonga stood firm in her belief that her responsibility lies with her child, not public opinion.
“I am aware there are folks that will not understand or have a very negative opinion of the decisions we made for his health and own navigation of the world as a trans man. My only thing is I have to do what I need to do to help my child,” she said.
Salonga also addressed her personal life, revealing that she and her husband have long been separated, emphasizing that mutual respect and care remain present in their family dynamic.
“We are both super busy, but thankfully the dad and dad’s partner are the ones who will send you food ‘pag may sipon ka. It’s not a secret we have been separated for a while. He is happy and I am happy he is happy.”
Lea Salonga’s message to parents
Ultimately, Salonga stressed that unconditional love is not optional, it is a duty. “To those who do not have kids: if you think you will not be able to love your child if they come out to you—if they say, ‘Mom, I’m lesbian, bisexual, or trans’—if, under those conditions, your love will stop, do not have children. Save yourself the drama and heartbreak. If hindi mo kaya, ’wag na lang,” she said.
She concluded with a powerful reminder about parenting expectations.
“Children are not customizable. Every kid is a blind box. You don’t know what you will get but, chances are, it is the one you don’t want but that is what you will get.”
Salonga is set to portray Madame Thénardier in “Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular,” currently running at The Theatre at Solaire until March 1.
To those who do not have kids: if you think you will not be able to love your child if they come out to you—if they say, ‘Mom, I’m lesbian, bisexual, or trans’—if, under those conditions, your love will stop, do not have children.
Lea Salonga
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