Philippine star Charice announces new transgender name
AFP
US television star and music sensation Charice Pempengco of the Philippines has announced a new transgender identity, revealing his new name on Twitter: Jake Zyrus.
My first tweet as Jake. Overwhelmed. Saw all your love comments and Im so happy. Finally. I love you, everyone and see you soon, the 25-year-old wrote this week on his revamped Twitter account, which has nearly a million followers.
I wont let anyone ruin this moment. I wont let anyone ruin my happiness. Thank you to all the beautiful write ups about me.
The artist born as Charmaine Clarice Pempengco inspired millions of Filipinos with her journey from poverty to sharing the stage with Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, even singing at Barack Obamas pre-US presidential inauguration galas.
Her self-titled debut album in 2010 landed at number eight on the US Billboard 200 Albums chart, the same year she starred in the American hit television series: Glee, playing exchange student character Sunshine Corazon.
Pempengco also appeared as herself in the 2009 film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
In 2013, Pempengco came out as a lesbian, which caused controversy in the Philippines, where most Filipinos are Catholic and homosexuality is tolerated but not totally accepted.
The following year Pempengco opened up on Oprah Winfreys television show, saying: Basically, my soul is male. l
