Former "Glee" actress Charice Pempengco came out as a lesbian during an emotional television interview Sunday in her native Philippines.

Asked about her sexuality on the country's popular show "The Buzz," the 21-year-old singer known as Charice responded, "Opo, tomboy po ako," which, in Filipino, translates as "Yes, I'm a lesbian."

Up to now, Charice has been silent about her sexuality, despite rampant rumors that arose in the past year after she shed her long locks for a more boyish look.

Following her admission Sunday, she broke down in tears as she revealed that she is estranged from her mother and brother.

Though she apologized to fans who are offended by her sexual orientation, she added, "Now I feel free."

"I can go out of the house without fear and certain that I'm not stepping on anybody's toe," she said in the video translated by the website Hollywood Life.

"To those who can accept me, thank you very much," she said. "We are all equal, whether you are gay or straight."

Known in America mostly for her portrayal as exchange student Sunshine Corazon on several episodes of "Glee" from 2010 to 2011, Charice is also a reality television and viral video superstar in Asia.