Jake Zyrus Unearths 'Diamond,' His First English Single Since Coming Out as Trans

Filipino pop star Jake Zyrus -- formerly known as Charice -- has maintained a lower profile outside of his native Philippines, unveiling a steady stream of singles in Tagalog.

Today (Sept. 7), the former “Glee” actor unearthed “Diamond," marking his first English-language crossover since coming out as a trans man last year. A triumphant mid-tempo anthem in the vein of Shawn Mendes' balladry, he sings of overcoming the forces that have weighed him down amid the very public process of navigating his identity.

“If there’s no pressure, there’ll be no diamond/ So I don’t mind it coming my way,” he sings on the chorus, fully assured in his sense of self.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer last year, Zyrus attested to rising above the fraught response -- from media outlets to his immediate family, including his grandmother -- to embracing his identity.

“Much has been said about me, but I’m still here, standing -- and I’m a very sensitive person,” he told the Filipino paper. “You can’t expect everyone to welcome you with open arms.”

Stream “Diamond” below: