Actress Klea Pineda is tired of hiding. On her 24th birthday, the young actress announced that she is gay and proud of her “rainbow heart.”
In an Instagram post, Pineda said her birthday was “extra special since I finally mustered up the courage to come out to the world as my true authentic self.”
Pineda first discovered her sexuality in highschool. But she decided to keep it from the public over fears that it might jeopardize her career.
Like most members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Pineda struggled with her identity for years. At 24, however, the young star decided that she would no longer live a lie.
“Ang hirap ng napipilitan and ang hirap ng napipigilan din at the same time,” she told GMA News’ Nelson Canlas.
Pineda added: “Ang sakit isipin na we gay people kailangan talaga natin ng extra, extra extra work sa lahat ng ginagawa natin para lang ma-accept tayo ng mga tao.”
SUGGESTED STORIES:
LIST: Nominees for FAMAS 2025
THE Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) revealed.
Marcos says Philippines would be dragged ‘kicking and screaming’ into Taiwan war
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos warned Monday that his country would.
Go Big or Go Home: Gilas Pilipinas Faces Saudi Arabia in Knockout Clash
GO BIG or go home — that’s exactly the situation.
In the IG post, the actress shrugged off the possibility of getting backlash for her announcement.
Pineda is choosing courage and she hopes to “inspire and empower others who are still struggling to come into terms with their sexuality”
“Alam ko mahirap at nakakatakot, but please know na walang mali sa atin at walang kulang sa atin kahit pa magpakatotoo tayo,” she said.
“Marami man ang manghusga, mas marami pa rin ang tatanggap at magmamahal sa’yo nang buong-buo. Just be the person that your younger self would be proud of!” she added.
Pineda said her family knows about her sexuality. And she is grateful for having supportive parents who back her decisions. The 24-year-old actress added that she is currently in a happy relationship with another woman.
