Lea Salonga Talks Parenting, Identity, and Loving Her Trans Son Unconditionally
Lea Salonga opens up about raising her son Nic, embracing his identity, and why love always comes first
Lea Salonga is known for bringing pride to the Philippines in the international theater scene. Back in Manila for the production of Into the Woods, where she reprises her role as the Witch, Lea, in an interview on the ABS-CBN show On Cue, spoke about raising her son, Nic, and his part in the show.
Lea Salonga on Nic Joining the Show
During the interview, Lea shared how Nic got involved in the production through the late theater director Bobby Garcia.
“ It was his (Bobby’s) idea to put Nic as Jack, “ Lea shared. “At that time, I think he was identifying as non-binary. Hindi pa siya trans person.”
“We knew I was going to be the witch, and he was going to be Jack. So I think that has been planned for a while now.”
Lea shared that Bobby was involved in the casting of the production before his death. Some of the stars featured in the production are Nyoy Volante and Mikki Bradshaw.
Other cast members of the show include Josh Dela Cruz of Blue’s Clues fame, Arielle Jacob, Mark Bautista, and Eugene Domingo.
Lea Salonga on Raising Nic
Early this year, Lea and Nic appeared in a story in People, where Lea shared her experience of raising Nic after he came out to her. In the interview, Lea said that, like any parent, she wants to see her kid succeed.
“The grown-ups in the room need to help kids feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms,” she said.
On the topic of her son Nic, Lea said during the On Cue interview: “ When you have a child, first and foremost, you’ll love the child without conditions. That’s given or that’s supposed to be given.”
“That’s my child. I will love my child. If you identify in this way or that way, it doesn’t matter. You’re still my child.”
And Lea is proud of who Nic has become at 19. “I raised a good kid — kind, smart, and talented. I’m happy with his grades.”
She adds that everything she wants is already in Nic, describing him as “compassionate, sensitive, empathetic, loving, and honest.”
To each their own in raising kids
Lea is aware that not everyone agrees with how she’s raising Nic, recalling the comments and messages she has gotten on social media since Nic transitioned.
“There are going to be people who will strongly disagree. I’m sure there are folks out there who have already condemned me to one of the seven hells. But my duty is to be right by my kid,” she said.
“My duty is not to any of you. My duty is to my child.”
For Lea, she emphasized the importance of being present for their kids regardless of their identity.
“If you have a child, you’ll love them unconditionally. If you are not prepared to have a queer child, don’t have children.”
More on the LGBTQ and parenting
Jamie Lee Curtis Shows How Parents Should Love Their Trans Kids
Out and Proud: A Former Editor Shares His Journey to Gender Identity
This Couple Shares How Families Can Be Better Allies to the LGBTQ+ Community
