Alexis Bellino praises transgender son for his “strength and courage”. (Instagram/Alexis Bellino)
Real Housewives of Orange County star Alexis Bellino has shared a touching message introducing her transgender son, Miles, to the world.
The former RHOC star took to Instagram to share the news with her followers, and opened up about Miles’ transition over the past 16 months.
Alongside the picture of her and her son, she wrote: “I had stopped posting the past few months due to this transition in Miles’ life, but he’s now ready to ‘come out’ and to use this platform to stop any hate or questions.”
“He’s tired of the misgendering and confusion people have, so we are setting the record straight.”
Praising his “strength and courage” for living his truth, Bellino said she was “extremely proud” and said her love for Miles hasn’t changed.
She explained Miles first came out as transgender to her 16 months ago and “hid it from everyone else for a while” but is now ready to share it with the world. “My son can live life now with his true self,” she said.
Bellino went on to say Miles is the “same child with his kind heart” and is “brave enough to step forward at such a young age.”
The reality star confirmed she would be deleting and blocking any hate and asked for the support of fans during this time. “We are all human and we are ALL equal,” she concluded.
The post has had a heartwarming response on Instagram, with people praising Bellino for her unconditional support and Miles for his strength throughout this journey.
Bellino, along with her five children, appeared on RHOC between seasons five to eight and although there were rumours that she might be returning to the show, she has shot them all down.
Many fans of the show were pleasantly surprised to see Bellino’s unequivocally supportive post, given her past comments on the show.
Bellino was known as a conservative Christian, labelled “Jesus jugs” by rival housewife Tamra Judge and was called out for her questionable attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community.
As far back as 2011, she made controversial comments that a married lesbian couple were not in a “real marriage” and she belonged to a faith that didn’t believe in “same-sex marriage”.
Although she did clarify in a blog post that she believes “we should all have equal rights”.
Since the show, Bellino has divorced her conservative Christian husband Jim and is now engaged to her long-term partner Andy Bohn.
“Bring her back! I’d love to see her life now she’s free from Jim, and clearly has gone on a journey socially and politically,” one person wrote.
While another added: “Completely happy for Alexis Bellino and her trans son. You are amazing and represent what growth is.”
“She has an incredible housewives journey and this makes me so proud of her for how open and independent she’s become,” someone else said.
So what if I am moved to tears by Alexis Bellino’s full-throated support of her trans son.
— BOO-is Frightsman (@LouisPeitzman) October 26, 2022
Alexis Bellino being a based trans mom is NOT what I had on my 2022 bingo card. Wow! This was so emotional to read. #rhoc https://t.co/ge0uz6J3Go
— Eve 6000 🦋 (@alsoabouteve) October 26, 2022
It gives me hope for humanity that Alexis Bellino can support their trans child from when they where on RHOC https://t.co/rr2japS8vD
— Jay (@jgwldn) October 26, 2022
Mother Alexis Bellino’s evolution has me truly gagged. 💗 #rhoc pic.twitter.com/xVFtpvxtwf
— jose (@jhrnndz__) October 26, 2022