Charice’s journey to becoming transman Jake Zyrus – Inquirer.net

When he looks back at old videos of himin dainty dresses and belting out power balladshe does not see himself, but a different person.

Its like watching my little sister, quipped recording artist Jake Zyrus, who was previously known as Charice.

But the 25-year-old singer, who announced his new name in social media last June 20, isnt out to completely erase Charice from his life. According to Jake, hes simply letting her go to give way for the person he has been all along.

Changing his name was just one of the early steps in his journey as a transmanin his journey toward becoming complete.

He had his breasts surgically removed in March, and has been taking testosterone shots since April. And the effects were quite apparent when we sat down with him recently for an interview: He now has a hint of mustache; his voices tone has gone deeper. And these excited him.

If theres one song that would encapsulate what hes feeling right now, it would be Rascal Flatts Im Moving On. At last, I can see life has been patiently waiting for me, Jake began to sing, his voice still as beautiful as ever. And I know there are no guarantees, but Im not alone.

Jakes interview with the Inquirer:

Did it feel like it was the right time to do this? I just went with the flow, as always. I had to wait, because I knew it wasnt going to be easy. What I was sure of, though, was that I wanted to present the real me the next time I stepped onstage.

You first came out as a lesbian in 2013. I came out as a lesbian back then, because I was still worried about revealing who I really wasa transgender. People knew of being gay or lesbian, but not necessarily other gender identities. Now it seems like people are starting to recognize that the LGBTQ community is diverse.

What inspired you to come out as a transman? What pushed me was seeing other people having a hard time telling the world who they truly are. Theyre the reason why I did thisaside from personal reasons, of course.

How did you come up with Jake Zyrus? Ive always liked the name Jake. And I wanted to have two names, because why not? So I chose Zyrus.

Are you planning to make this name change official? Its a screen name for now, but the fact that people are calling me by that name is a big deal for me as a transman. I hope to eventually change my name officially, but not anytime soonthats a complicated process. Id choose a different name, if that time ever comes.

Some people made fun of your name. At times I feel its unfair. Ginusto ko to, so I dont have the right to complain.

How do you deal with the negativity? Im used to the issues. My life has been an open book. Much has been said about me, but Im still here, standingand Im a very sensitive person. You cant expect everyone to welcome you with open arms.

I had my breasts removed on March 29. I have also been taking testosterone shots. The first was on April 19 Jake Zyrus SingerPhoto by Lyn Rillon

Speaking of which, your grandmother didnt take it very well. What I did wasnt simple. So I expected that reaction; I understood.

The difference, I think, is that my life is public, everything becomes a big deal. But, were not much different from other families. We all go through challenges. I just hope we could resolve it privately.

Hows your relationship with your mother? Im happy she accepts the whole thing.

How are you and Alyssa Quijano after your breakup? We dont talk anymore, but our separation was amicable; the decision was mutual. We just realized that our relationship wasnt working anymore.

Aside from your name, are there other changes? I had my breasts removed on March 29. I have also been taking testosterone shots. The first was on April 19; next month I will have another.

Was it a tough decision? Were you afraid of going under the knife? I wasnt afraid I was excited. I knew what I wanted, so there were no buts and doubts. My mind was already made up.

Were you uncomfortable with the body you had. Im a man. But I was insecure about my breasts, my body. I wanted to act like a man, to sit like a man.

And the tone of your voice has gotten deeper? It sounds a bit different, but it wont negatively affect my voice.

The vocal abilities will remain intact. I hope so!

What do you think of Charice? I feel like shes a different person. I dont want to totally erase her from my life. When I watch my old videos, I just see her as a little sister. I dont regret anything I have been through as Charicebut it was hard. I was being someone Im not. But Im proud of her achievements.

Some people jokingly say that Charice is dead. Shes not dead; I just let her go. Shes free.

So back then, while you were making people happy with your talent, it wasnt the case for you. I dont want to be dramatic, but thats true. Theyre happy, but deep inside, its breaking you.

Do you get offended when people call you Charice? When somebody calls me, Charice, maam or she, I just think that they either have a different set of beliefs or they arent aware. Or, they just want to insult you.

As a celebrity transman, do you feel like you now have a responsibility to educate people? I dont want to impose, or force people to accept who we are. And so, should I speak about being a transman, it would be about making people in similar situations [feel] that theyre not alone.

In your last album, Catharsis, you went pop-rock. Do we expect more of that? Ill just let myself fly. I still love alternative rock, and I was heartbroken when Chris Cornell (of Soundgarden) died. I have been singing different genres all my life. Now, Im exploring again, experimenting with my voice.

What are you most excited about being Jake? The music Im going to do. And of course, when people call me Jake.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

See the article here:
Charice's journey to becoming transman Jake Zyrus - Inquirer.net