Klea Pineda shares how her family found out she is gay: 'Nahuli ako'

Klea Pineda is now out and proud after coming out as gay on her 24th birthday.

On the "Updated with Nelson Canlas" podcast, the "AraBella" star shared when she knew she was gay and how her family found out.

"Na-realize ko na gay ako nung high school pa," she said. "Before show business, doon ko siya na-realize and then nung pumasok na ako sa show business talagang tinago ko siya hangga't kaya ko."

For the past few years and months, however, Klea said hiding it has become more difficult.

"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 continued.

She also recalled how her mom first found out about it.

"Hindi ko kasi sa kanila inamin e, actually nahuli ako," she said.

By that time, Klea said she was working in showbiz already and she had work around the Bulacan area.

"Pinahawak ko lang 'yung phone ko sa sister ko, 'yung sister ko iniwan niya lang 'yung phone ko sa car, ganyan," she said.

"Tapos nakita ni Mommy, naka on lang yung phone ko, tapos nakita niya 'yung conversation ko with my best friend na girl 'yung high school, high school days 'yan. Tapos 'yon. Doon nila nalaman."

The Sparkle actress said her parents were calm about it at first, but after a few days, they became confused and angry. 

"Siyempre may things talaga na ganun sa parents, hindi naman mawawala 'yon and I'm sure 'yung sa iba mas masakit 'yung nararanasan nila up to now," she said.

Eventually, though, they came around and supported her.

"I'm very lucky siguro. I'm one of the luckiest talaga na binigyan ako ng parents na ganito na very supportive," she said. "Hindi pinaramdam sa akin na may mali sa akin."

"And siyempre mas pinapaintindi ko sa kanila na masaya ako. 'Ma, Pa masaya ako sa desisyon ko, sa kung sino talaga ako.' And happy ako na wala akong narinig sa kanila na kahit na anong masasakit, tinanggap nila."

—Kimberly Tsao/MGP, GMA Integrated News