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Jake Zyrus, Formerly Known as Charice, Comes Out as Transgender
"I won't let anyone ruin this moment. I won't let anyone ruin my happiness."
Jake Zyrus came out as transgender earlier this week with a simple "Thank You" note on Instagram.
The 25-year-old Filipino singer, formerly known as Charice Pempengco, came out as lesbian in 2013 while playing the jaw-dropping, ballad-slaying foreign exchange student Sunshine Corazon on the second season of Glee.
In 2014, the singer opened up about questions surrounding gender identity in a powerful interview with Oprah. “I’m not exactly transitioning," Zyrus shared. "My soul is male, but I’m not going to go through that stage where I’m going to change everything."
Earlier this week, Zyrus deleted all previous social media images and posts and announced his name change. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the love and respect," he wrote on Instagram. "I love you back and I'm sending peace to everyone."
\u201cMy first tweet as Jake. Overwhelmed. Saw all your love comments and I'm so happy. Finally. I love you, everyone and see you soon.\u201d— Jake Zyrus (@Jake Zyrus) 1497919951
\u201cI won't let anyone ruin this moment. I won't let anyone ruin my happiness. Thank you to all the beautiful write ups about me.\u201d— Jake Zyrus (@Jake Zyrus) 1497920075
Despite some negative press from the likes of Esquire Philippines, who distastefully made fun of Zyrus's name choice, fans have been overwhelmingly supportive and Jake has felt the love.
\u201cforever grateful. let's just love one another. i love you all. I really do. I reaaaaalllyyyy ddddoooo. \ud83d\ude14\u2764\ufe0f\u201d— Jake Zyrus (@Jake Zyrus) 1497970173
Congratulations, Jake!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
