James Graham after unexpected 'coming out': 'Don't let people dictate how you live your life'

James Graham surprised netizens on social media after posting a video of himself embracing his feminine side.

On TikTok, the Filipino-American Sparkle actor shared a video of himself lip-syncing to "The Sign" by Ace of Base while showing off his bangs and wearing a maroon hoodie. The video has amassed nearly three million views.

“You don’t have to be scared anymore,” he wrote. “People will judge you regardless of who you are, so just live your life to the fullest.”

“Do it out of kindness, not fear or hate,” he added. “Don’t let people dictate how you live your life.”

In a separate TikTok post, James responded to a netizen who commented, "We accept you, no matter what or who you are!" saying that his situation was bigger than himself.

“I’m speaking for everyone who’s been in the same situation as me,” he replied.

“Everyone deserves the chance to be happy and express themselves without constantly worrying about what other people think,” he added.

James also said that life is "too short" to spend it "trying to be someone you're not."

“Be yourself and let people think whatever they’re gonna think,” he added.

GMA News Online reached out to James for further comment, but he has yet to respond as of writing.

Speaking to PEP, the "Widow's War" actor said he is still in shock following the unexpected virality of his TikTok videos.

“The account I’ve been showing the real me was initially just for me and my close friends who knew who I actually was,” he said.

"I never expected it to blow up all of a sudden," he added, noting that he came out to his family and friends in May.

James said he came out because he was tired of hiding his true self.

He has been based in the United States since February 2025 and is currently pursuing a nursing degree.

@brazillian.queef

You don’t have to be scared anymore. People will judge you regardless of who you are, so just live your life to the fullest. Do it out of kindness, not fear or hate. Don’t let people dictate how you live your life.

♬ The Sign - Ace of Base

—Hermes Joy Tunac/CDC, GMA News