“Sometimes the king is a woman,” reads a post on Ian King’s Instagram page, @hailtothe_king, on July 3. The post comes a day after Ian announced that he has transitioned to a transgender woman.
Ian, who is now known as Angelina Mead King, made the official announcement on July 2 on the Instagram account @hailtothe_queen, Angelina’s official IG account.
“It was a secret that I’ve kept for quite some time. I’m glad it’s now out, so I don’t have to explain myself anymore,” Angelina said in an interview by Tim Yap on the Philippine Star.
Overwhelming support
Ian’s transition has been met with much love and support from family and friends, including the traditionally deemed “macho” group of luxury sports cars enthusiasts, of which Ian is a member. Ian, who is a car aficionado, is the founder of Car Porn Racing.
“What’s a dream, I couldn’t sleep from being so happy! Thank you to everyone for the love and support. You can’t imagine what kind of weight has been lifted off my heart. I am excited to see you all soon,” Angelina wrote on Facebook.
James Deakin, motoring journalist, expressed his support for Angelina.
“So one of the car guys I look up to the most, is now a woman. Hey, if you ain’t hurting anyone and it makes you happy, it’s all the same to me. Good luck, Ian/Angie,” he said on his Facebook page.
Ian’s brother, Atticus, also posted this message of support:
“Here’s a pic with my former kuya who is now my ate. Meet my “new” sister Angie @hailtothe_queen_ @kim_epil, @joeymeadking,” Atticus said.
Marvy De Rosario Shuman, Angelina’s mother, also shared her support through Facebook.
“It takes courage to speak your truth…I am thrilled and happy that my child has found bliss! To live an honest life is the only way we should live. I love you, Angie Ian!”
Click next for details on Ian’s marriage to Joey Mead now that he has become a woman
Love is love
Angelina remains married to wife Joey Mead, a popular TV host and model, who has been very supportive of his transition.
A photo of Angelina and Joey together was shared by Angelina to officially announce her transition on July 2.
“My rock and my number one supporter! @joeymeadking I Love You!” was Angelina’s message for Joey.
“Love is love,” Joey replied to the post.
Joey also shared this photo on her Instagram, which she simply captioned “Freedom”.
The same photo was shared on Ian’s Instagram.
“Best hangover cure ❤️ @joeymeadking,” Ian wrote.
Just days after the announcement, Joey and Angelina are back to their daily routine.
On July 3, the couple had breakfast with some friends.
“She’s my rock. We’ve been through so much and I’m happy that we have decided to stick it out, no matter what happens,” Angelina told the Philippine Star.
“I fought hard–tooth and nail, blood sweat and tears for this relationship. Somehow it all breaks away. For what’s life without a little bit of bizarreness?” Joey said in the same interview.
Angelina’s simple request on the next page.
Scared of the pressure
Despite the support, however, Angelina is feeling the pressure from all the media attention her coming out has brought with it.
“For the press people asking for an interview I would like to request to please hold off as I am scared of the pressure that comes along with TV Media. For now wait for @officialtimyap‘s write up on me. I am feeling pressured since so [many] people are now watching me and my family so I hope we can get some privacy till everything sinks in! Thank you so much!” Angelina said.
Read: Your role in shaping your children’s sex and gender and why it matters
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