Jake Zyrus posts topless photo to ward off insecurities, inspire fellow transgenders: 'Well. This is me guys.'
Jake Zyrus wowed social media after he shared a topless photo of him, aiming to ward off insecurities about his body and inspire fellow transgenders.
In a Facebook post dated Feb. 19, Zyrus began by thanking fans for the positive reception of his rendition of Maghintay Ka Lamang with Troy Laureta.
He, then, confessed having misgivings about posting his shirtless mirror selfie for fear of criticism.
"Pinag-isipan kong maigi kung ipo-post ko ba 'to," Zyrus said. "Kasi lagi kong iniisip kung anong sasabihin ng ibang tao."
The 29-year-old singer noted that he's been "happy" with his life over the course of his transition. But he said that he still can't help but feel insecure about his body.
"Siguro dahil na rin sa standard ng karamihan," he said.
But Zyrus has expressed confidence and embraced his present image, saying past challenges have made him stronger than ever.
"Pero ngayon, palalayain ko na lahat yun," he said. "Pagtawanan mo o hindi, hindi mo alam ang sakit, iyak at mga dugo na pinagdaanan ko bago ako nagkaroon ng confidence na buong buo ko i-post ito."
Zyrus also gave fellow transgenders a shout-out, even dedicating his photo to them.
"Masaya ako at gusto ko lang ipakita sa inyo na eto ako," he said. "Kung naghahanap kayo ng sign o confidence para ipakita at maging proud sa kung sino ka, tara sasabayan kita. Para sayo to."
But for those who are still coming to terms with their identity, Zyrus assured them that everything will be alright.
"Kung hindi ka man handa pa, okay lang din yun," he said. "Lahat yan may tamang panahon."
"Well. This is me guys," he told his fans as he concluded his post. "Mahal ko kayong lahat."
His post has over 31,000 reactions, 2,000 comments, and 5,000 shares as of writing.
Zyrus publicly came out as a transgender man in 2017 after undergoing male chest reconstruction and beginning testosterone treatment.