MANILA, Philippines — Thespian Nic Chien, the son of theater icon Lea Salonga, has revealed that he is bisexual, saying it is possible to be attracted to multiple genders even after transitioning.
In an interview with Korina Sanchez on the show “Rated Korina,” Chien reflected on his sexual orientation, sharing that he realized he was bisexual early in life.
“I figured out pretty early. I’m attracted to girls, but I’m also attracted to guys. I’m okay with saying that out loud. I realized it in grade five. I could label myself and understand it, and I told my mom when I was around 11. I said, ‘Mama, I think I’m bisexual,’ and she just said, ‘Okay.’ That’s it. It helped that my parents were supportive. They told me it’s okay not to rush into labels, but I was fortunate to figure it out early,” he said.
Chien also spoke candidly about his mental health journey and his transition as a trans man.
“I am not a different person. I am still Nicole, but I’m not called Nicole anymore because I’m not a Nicole, but I’m still the same person,” Chien said.
“Some social things might change because I’m a guy, so which is fine. I mean, growing up, I struggled a lot with how people saw me. I hated looking in the mirror and seeing the small things that made me feel like I wasn’t being seen as a man — my shoulders weren’t wide enough, my face didn’t have the sharpness I wanted. And I think those small things really affected my mental health,” he furthered.
Chien, 19, shared that he has struggled with depression, which he said was partly related to gender dysphoria.
“It hit me around 14. I was insecure because I knew that if someone looked at me, they wouldn’t see what I really wanted to be, or they wouldn’t see a man, they would see a girl. That idea felt tragic to me. Even tiny things, like certain curves in my face, could trigger that feeling. I hated seeing myself in photos, I hated that people didn’t see me as a guy,” Chien shared.
He began testosterone therapy in March last year and has also undergone chest masculinization surgery. Chien described the physical changes in detail.
“My body changes, my voice changed, my bones, my muscles, even how fat is distributed on my body. When I saw my Adam’s apple develop, it was like seeing myself fully become who I am. I even graduated from using binders and started using things like Trans tape, which helps give a flat chest. I remember wearing that for the first time on a class trip to the beach. Being able to go without a shirt was such a liberating feeling — I’ll never forget it,” he recalled.
Chien also discussed the complexities of family relationships, noting that his parents are on “very good terms” despite being separated.
“My dad is with another woman, my stepmother, and I love her very much. That doesn’t mean I love my mom any less. I love both of them for who they are. Seeing them care for me and for each other in different ways has been really important in shaping how I understand love and relationships,” he said.
On the challenges of public scrutiny and social media negativity, Chien pointed out, “There are going to be people that don’t like you, and that’s okay. Their minds are never going to change just because they dislike me for reasons I can’t control. I didn’t do anything to them, and it’s not my job to change how they feel. I just focus on the good comments and the people who care, because those are the ones that matter.”
“Every moment of feeling free and seen is important. I want young people who are struggling to know that it’s okay to figure things out at your own pace. Be kind to yourself, and focus on what makes you happy,” he added.
