RHOC's Alexis Bellino Shares How Raising Her Transgender Son Miles Has Shaped Her Faith

The 'RHOC' star is a mom to Miles, 16, James, 17, and Mackenna, 16 with ex Jim Bellino

Alexis Bellino
Alexis Bellino. Photo:

Amanda Edwards/Getty

Alexis Bellino is opening up about how her son's transgender journey has affected her faith.

The Real Housewives of Orange County, 47, spoke with Andy Cohen during the Bravo series' season 18 reunion on Thursday, Nov. 14, where she shared how raising her transgender son Miles, 16, has impacted her strong Christian values and views on the LGBTQ+ community.

"It hasn't changed my mind about LGBTQ or that everyone should have their own right to live their life the way they want," she said. "All it has done is made me understand the pain that is along with that when people are so judgmental. It changed me being more vocal about it is all it's done."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Alexis Bellino
Alexis Bellino.

Joe Scarnici/Getty

Miles' transition has not impacted the mom of three's dedication to a higher power, she explained.

"I don't like to use the word religion and I think that's a very negative connotation. I'm very spiritual and I do love my God," she said, adding that she always puts God above all other relationships.

"That's the way God wants it to be," she shared. "It's supposed to be God and then your spouse and then your kids. That's the way it works better in a marriage. I do have those values. If you believe in something higher than yourself, then you're going to be a better person."

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Alexis Bellino and John Janssen
Alexis Bellino and John Janssen.

 Alexis Bellino/Instagram

In addition to Miles, Bellino is also a mom to son James, 16, and Miles' twin sister Mackenna, whom she shares with ex-husband Jim Bellino.

The reality star recently announced her engagement to John Janssen, 61, revealing Miles' reaction to the news during the season reunion.

"I sent a picture of the engagement ring to the whole family chain. Miles' response was 'WTF,' " she told Cohen. "He's like, 'CALL ME NOW,' all capital letters. He's like, 'John, you did not ask my permission!' It was cute. John's like, 'Are you okay with it?' And Miles is like, 'Yeah, I love you.'"

Related Articles