Lea Salonga’s Son Nic Chien Opens Up About Top Surgery: A Story of Family, Visibility, and Affirmation

For decades, Lea Salonga has captivated audiences worldwide with her groundbreaking performances on Broadway and beyond. Yet, in recent years, her most significant role has unfolded offstage—as a mother navigating the journey of affirmation and acceptance with her transgender son, Nic Chien. This deeply personal story, now in the public eye, is redefining what it means to support a child’s authentic self, especially within the context of Asian and Filipino family traditions .

Nic Chien, born in 2006 to Salonga and her husband Robert Chien, came out as transmasculine at age 14. Supported by his family, Nic began his gender transition, including hormone therapy, and is now living openly at 19, using his voice and platform to advocate for greater visibility and understanding for transgender people .

Salonga, celebrated for her roles in "Miss Saigon" and as a Disney princess, has become a vocal advocate for her son and the wider LGBTQ+ community. In interviews, she has emphasized the necessity of “raising your child the way your child needs to be raised, ” and meeting children where they are in their journey .

“I want my child to feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms, ” Salonga stated, reflecting a commitment to unconditional love and open dialogue. This approach stands in contrast to the stigma and silence often encountered by transgender people in many Asian cultures, including the Philippines .

Nic, for his part, has described his transition as “emotional, ” marked by both challenges and the profound support of his family. “She just didn’t want my life to be as hard as it would be, ” Nic shared, underscoring the importance of a supportive home environment .

In September 2025, Nic Chien underwent chest reconstruction, commonly known as top surgery—a procedure significant to many transgender men and transmasculine individuals as part of their gender affirmation process . Nic publicly revealed his surgery during Trans Awareness Week, describing the experience as “brutal but worth it.” He spoke candidly about the physical and emotional aspects of recovery, as well as the sense of newfound freedom that followed .

“Top surgery was a brutal process, but it was worth it for the freedom I feel now, ” Nic wrote in a social media post, receiving an outpouring of support from friends, fans, and the LGBTQ+ community . By choosing to share this milestone so publicly, Nic has amplified awareness around gender-affirming healthcare and the importance of trans visibility.

Nic’s journey has unfolded alongside his burgeoning career in the performing arts. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he has appeared in professional stage productions in the Philippines and internationally . In 2025, Nic was cast as Jack in the Manila production of Stephen Sondheim’s "Into the Woods," sharing the stage with Salonga, who played The Witch. For Nic, this role marks the realization of a lifelong dream: “playing boy characters” as his authentic self .

The pair’s joint appearance is more than a theatrical event—it is a powerful symbol of generational support and the transformative impact of representation. The production has garnered significant attention, with additional show dates added due to overwhelming demand .

Beyond the stage, Nic has also explored visual arts, designing cover artwork for Salonga’s projects and earning accolades in performance competitions . His openness about his transition has resonated with young people navigating similar journeys, offering hope and a model of what affirmation can look like.

The Salonga-Chien family’s story arrives at a critical moment for transgender rights and visibility, especially in the Philippines, where LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face legal and social barriers . While Filipino culture is often lauded for its warmth and family-centered values, traditional gender roles and expectations can make coming out difficult for many LGBTQ+ youth.

By publicly affirming Nic’s identity and journey, Salonga has helped to reshape the narrative around what it means to be a Filipino family. “Affirmation is not merely tolerance—it is empowerment, ” she has said, urging parents and communities to embrace rather than merely accept their LGBTQ+ children .

LGBTQ+ advocates in the Philippines and abroad have praised the family’s openness, noting that stories like Nic’s are vital in challenging stigma and advocating for greater access to gender-affirming healthcare, legal protections, and social acceptance .

Lea Salonga’s legacy was already assured by her trailblazing achievements in theater and music. Now, her advocacy as a supportive parent is helping to usher in a new era of visibility and affirmation for transgender people and their families—both in the Philippines and around the world.

For Nic Chien, the journey continues: as an artist, advocate, and visible member of the transgender community, his story highlights the power of family, authenticity, and the courage to live one’s truth.