Klea Pineda opens up about her sexuality on her 24th birthday
In celebration of her 24th birthday on Sunday, March 19, “AraBella” star and “StarStruck” 6 Ultimate Female Survivor Klea Pineda braved the public by coming out as gay.
In an Instagram post, Pineda writes, “My 24th birthday is extra special since I finally mustered up the courage to come out to the world as my true authentic self. Masasabi ko na ito na ang pinakamatapang na desisyon na nagawa ko sa buong buhay ko. I want the world to know that I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The decision was mainly from Pineda’s pursuit of finding joy and life’s meaning. She stated that despite the divided agreement that might arise from this, coming out is a fundamental part of who she is.
She left a self-affirming note that her sexuality is just a fragment of her entirety and this would not stop her from chasing her dreams. She added, “I am still the same Klea that you loved and supported throughout the years. The only difference now is I can proudly say that I’m gay!”
READ ALSO: GMA Network Reveals Offerings For 2023
From TikTok with love
The announcement was followed by an interview with Boy Abunda on Monday, March 20, on the show “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda.” There, Pineda introduced her girlfriend, Katrice Kierulf, to the public.
During the interview, Pineda tells Abunda that Kierulf was actually with her in the studio as the “King of Talk” invited her to join them on stage.
Kierulf shares, “Naiiyak ako, Tito Boy, kasi finally, she made it. She’s speaking her truth already to everyone and I’m so proud of her. So, very heartfelt talaga ‘yung desisyon n’yo na ‘to.”
In a separate interview with GMA reporter Nelson Canlas, Pineda recalls that her first encounter with Kierulf was on TikTok. Only after a common friend connected them that the relationship developed.
Pineda also reveals that she already knew she was gay back in high school. She narrates the long-enduring years of hiding in the closet while still a newbie in the entertainment industry.
But hard as she tried, her true colors only manifested more throughout her years in showbiz. This then became her call to come out of the closet.
“Parang lumalabas na siya nang lumalabas na hindi ko na siya mapigilan and I think, ito na ‘yung feeling na kailangan ko na siyang gawin. Kailangan ko na siyang bitawan,” she states.
READ ALSO: Shayne Sava Hints At Catfight Scenes With Althea Ablan In “AraBella”
Klea Pineda gets message from mom
Pineda’s mother, Charito, has also expressed her full support to her daughter’s decision through a short Instagram post.
She writes, “Happy birthday my first born always proud of you we love you so much! Sana napasaya ka namin sa araw mo!”
Pineda then gives a reply with a resounding, “I love you mommy!!!
Other Kapuso celebrities such as Sanya Lopez, Ken Chan, and Ashley Ortega showed their support through comments on Pineda’s Instagram post.
Banner Art Dani Sison
