You probably recognize Charice Pempengco from her appearance as Sunshine Corazon on Glee:
You know, the nerdy girl with the glasses and power-house voice:
How could you forget this?
She also happens to be a Filipina pop superstar:
And she is gay.
This weekend the singer came out and confimed, "Yes, I am a lesbian."
Charice met with Boy Abunda on the talk show The Buzz and admitted she identified as a lesbian:
Sorry Mommy, Carl…but this is me. I'm proud of myself, I love myself. That is why I've done this. To my fans, I know a lot of you are disappointed, some of you will probably leave me. Sorry. You know I'm a sincere person. From the bottom of my heart, sorry. I understand.
Speculation by tabloids in the Philippines had been building as Charice recently changed up her style to a more edgy and androgynous look.
When asked why this was the moment to come out, Charice responded:
Following her announcement the supportive tweets flooded in:
Happy for Charice for coming out gay and proud. You are no less of a person and artist. Don't mind the bashers.
bianca gonzalez
@iamsuperbianca
Happy for Charice for coming out gay and proud. You are no less of a person and artist. Don't mind the bashers.
Very brave announcement today from @OfficialCharice - the LGBT community supports you. http://t.co/ndjAQDdyK4
steven petrow
@StevenPetrow
Very brave announcement today from @OfficialCharice - the LGBT community supports you. http://t.co/ndjAQDdyK4
Including Pulitzer Prize-winning Filipino journalist Jose Antonio Vargas:
Charice didn't really "come out." She is letting people in. #muchrespectandadmiration
Jose Antonio Vargas
@joseiswriting
Charice didn't really "come out." She is letting people in. #muchrespectandadmiration
And Lea Salonga, who voiced Princess Jasmine and Mulan:
Dear @OfficialCharice have you any idea how many young people you inspired today? More power, blessings and love to you!!!
Lea Salonga
@MsLeaSalonga
Dear @OfficialCharice have you any idea how many young people you inspired today? More power, blessings and love to you!!!
She sent out a heart-felt thank you to all her fans for the support:
View this video on YouTube
What's next for the newly out pop star?
Watch a clip from the interview:
View this video on YouTube
Watch more here.