Jaya Kelly: R. Kelly’s Transgender Son and His Journey of Self-Discovery

Jaya Kelly, also called Jaah Kelly, is known as the middle child of the famous R&B singer R. Kelly and choreographer Andrea Lee. While his father is well-known in the music world, Jaya has made his own name. He is famous for coming out as transgender and for following his passion for music. In this article, we will explore Jaya’s background, his path to discovering who he truly is, and how he has inspired others.

Profile Summary

Here’s a quick look at Jaya Kelly’s information:

• Full Name: Jaya Kelly
• Nicknames: Jaah Baby, Jay
• Gender: Trans male
• Date of Birth: November 26, 2000
• Age: 23 (as of 2024)
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm)
• Parents: R. Kelly (father), Andrea Lee (mother)
• Siblings: Joann Kelly (singer), Robert Kelly Jr. (basketball player)
• Profession: Singer and songwriter
• Net Worth: Estimated between $300,000 and $500,000

Early Life and Family Background

Jaya Kelly was born on November 26, 2000, in Los Angeles, California. His father, R. Kelly, was once one of the most famous R&B singers, known for hit songs like I Believe I Can Fly and Ignition (Remix). However, in 2023, R. Kelly was convicted of crimes, including human trafficking, and sentenced to more than 30 years in prison.

Jaya’s mother, Andrea Lee, is a talented choreographer and dancer. She was part of the reality TV show Hollywood Exes, where she shared her life as R. Kelly’s ex-wife. Jaya grew up with his older sister, Joann, and younger brother, Robert Jr. Joann is a singer, and Robert Jr. is a basketball player.

Even though Jaya’s family was famous, he faced personal challenges from an early age, especially around his gender identity.

Coming Out as Transgender

At the age of 14, in June 2014, Jaya Kelly came out as transgender. This was a big moment in his life. Jaya said that he had felt like a boy since he was six or seven years old, even though he was born a girl. As a child, he would wear boys’ clothes to school, but he faced bullying from other kids.

In an interview with Paper Magazine, Jaya shared his feelings about growing up. He said, “When I was younger, I always felt like I had to make a choice. I knew that I was a girl who liked other girls. But I thought that to like other girls, I had to be a boy.”

After he came out, Jaya chose to go by the name Jaah Kelly. He also said that he wanted to have surgery and start taking medication to fully transition to a male body. But since he was only 14 at the time, he knew he would have to wait.

Family Support

When Jaya came out as transgender, his mother, Andrea, fully supported him. She told him that she would love him no matter what. Jaya shared that his mom said, “Baby, you know I love you if you were bi, gay, lesbian—you name it—and I would still love you.”

Jaya’s siblings were also very supportive. His sister Joann began calling him her “little brother,” which meant a lot to Jaya. Their support helped him feel loved and accepted.

However, Jaya’s relationship with his father was more difficult. R. Kelly did not accept Jaya’s gender identity at first, which caused some tension between them. This made things harder for Jaya, especially with everything going on in his father’s life at the time.

Music Career

Just like his sister Joann, Jaya has followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a musician. Jaya’s interest in music started when he was in high school. At the age of 13, he released his first single, Reservoir, under the stage name Jaah Baby.

While Jaya hasn’t shared much of his music with the mainstream media, he has posted several songs on SoundCloud. Some of his popular tracks include:

• Fall Into Reflection
• Gentle Subtle
• No Regards
• Reflection (Freestyle)
• Focus (featuring his sister, Buku Abi)
• Stalling (featuring Kel)

Jaya is still early in his music career, but he is talented and passionate. Many believe he will continue to grow as an artist.

Challenges and Strength

Jaya Kelly’s life has not been easy. Growing up as the child of a famous father, especially one with many legal issues, was challenging. People often focused more on his father’s troubles than on Jaya’s personal life or career.

Despite all these challenges, Jaya has shown great strength. He came out as transgender at a young age, knowing he would face difficulties, but he stayed true to himself. His story has inspired many people, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, by showing them that it’s okay to be who they are.

Net Worth and Personal Life

As of 2024, Jaya Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000. His main source of income is his music, though he is still growing as an artist. With time, Jaya’s music career will likely bring him even more success.

In terms of his personal life, Jaya is private. He has not shared much about his relationships, and it seems he is currently single. Jaya prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye, focusing instead on his music and personal growth.

Legacy and Inspiration

Jaya Kelly is not just known as R. Kelly’s child. He has become a role model for others who are on their own journeys of self-discovery. His decision to come out as transgender and live as his true self shows courage and strength.

Jaya’s story reminds us that it’s important to accept ourselves for who we are, no matter what. He continues to inspire others with his honesty, his passion for music, and his determination to live an authentic life.

Conclusion

Jaya Kelly’s life has been shaped by many challenges, but through it all, he has stayed true to himself. He came out as transgender when he was just 14 and has worked hard to follow his dreams of becoming a musician. Despite the public struggles of his family, Jaya has shown strength and resilience.

Jaya Kelly’s journey is an inspiration to many. His story reminds us all that with courage, self-acceptance, and the support of loved ones, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. We look forward to seeing how Jaya continues to grow as both an artist and a person.

FAQs About Jaya Kelly

1. Who is Jaya Kelly?
Jaya Kelly is the son of R. Kelly, a famous R&B singer, and Andrea Lee, a dancer. He is also known for coming out as transgender.

2. What is Jaya Kelly’s real name?
Jaya Kelly was born with the name Jaya. He now goes by Jaah Kelly after coming out as transgender.

3. How old is Jaya Kelly?
Jaya Kelly was born on November 26, 2000, which makes him 23 years old in 2024.

4. Is Jaya Kelly transgender?
Yes, Jaya Kelly came out as transgender in 2014 when he was 14 years old.

5. Who are Jaya Kelly’s parents?
Jaya Kelly’s father is singer R. Kelly, and his mother is Andrea Lee, a choreographer.

6. Does Jaya Kelly have any siblings?
Yes, Jaya has an older sister, Joann Kelly, who is a singer, and a younger brother, Robert Kelly Jr.

7. What does Jaya Kelly do for a living?
Jaya Kelly is a singer and songwriter. He shares his music online.

8. What songs has Jaya Kelly released?
Some of Jaya’s songs include Fall Into Reflection, Gentle Subtle, No Regards, and Focus.

9. What is Jaya Kelly’s net worth?
Jaya Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000 as of 2024.

10. How tall is Jaya Kelly?
Jaya Kelly is 5 feet 8 inches tall.

11. Is Jaya Kelly in a relationship?
Jaya Kelly has not shared any details about his relationships. He seems to be single.

12. How did Jaya Kelly’s family react to him coming out as transgender?
Jaya’s mother and siblings were very supportive. His father, R. Kelly, found it harder to accept at first.

13. Where can I listen to Jaya Kelly’s music?
Jaya Kelly shares his music on SoundCloud under the name Jaah Kelly.

14. What challenges has Jaya Kelly faced?
Jaya has faced challenges with his gender identity and the legal issues of his father. Despite this, he continues to pursue his music career.

15. What inspires Jaya Kelly?
Jaya Kelly is inspired by his love for music and his journey of self-discovery.