How Lea Salonga Stood Firmly by Her Child During a Life-Changing Journey
LEA SALONGA – Nic Chien is bravely sharing his personal journey, revealing how one of the biggest influences in his transition has been the unconditional support of his mother, Lea Salonga.
Nic Chien, the 17-year-old child of Broadway icon Lea Salonga, has opened up about his journey as a transgender man and the unwavering support he receives from his mother, a support he says has been crucial as his transition became a public topic.
Nic admitted that he never expected conversations about his gender identity and transition to reach a wider audience. Despite this, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception he has received as a member of the LGBTQIA community. “It is incredible. I am so honored to have this opportunity, and to have this position in the community,” he said in an interview reported by News5.
Reflecting on the attention his story has drawn, Nic added, “I couldn’t imagine that I would have this impact, and I only hope that what I do, helps other kids and people like me, live the lives that they wanna live, and encourage other people who are more against it to see their children and see, ‘Oh, you know, this guy is doing all these things, and he seems fine. So, maybe it’s fine for my kid,’ or something like that.”
Born Nicole Beverly Chien, Nic is Lea Salonga’s child with her estranged husband, Robert Chien. Like his mother, Nic found his passion in theater and has pursued acting on stage. In November 2025, he publicly shared his transition through an Instagram post, revealing that he had undergone top surgery, also known as chest masculinization, a procedure that removes breast tissue to create a more masculine chest. Singer Jake Zyrus also underwent the same procedure in 2017 as part of his own transition.
Nic is likewise undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), a medical treatment used to increase testosterone levels, which can result in changes such as a deeper voice. He compared his feelings about the process to a simple, personal milestone that unexpectedly became a public issue. He said it felt like taking off braces, even though many people treated it as a major event.
However, Nic acknowledged the broader significance of his decision. “However, I do understand the impact that it does have, and that is why I did it. Because I know that it’s more taboo and it’s not really a thing here for even trans men to come out, and to have top surgery, or even if they have testosterone. So, I’m trying to push for that kind of care.”
Central to Nic’s journey is his mother’s support. Describing Lea Salonga’s stance, Nic shared, “She is all for it. My mom cares that I’m living happily and that I’m living who I really am, or who I believe I really am.” He emphasized that his mother prioritizes his happiness and well-being above all else, adding that this, for him, is what parenting truly means.
Today, Nic hopes his experience will help open doors for others like him. “So I’m trying to push for that kind of care,” he said in a report by ABS-CBN News reporter MJ Felipe, reiterating his wish that his story will help others live authentically and with support.
READ ALSO: Lea Salonga Talks About Her Son Nic Chien’s Transition