‘Survivor 47’ star Teeny Chirichillo gives a major update to their identity

If you watched Survivor 47, you probably remember Teeny Chirichillo—one of the season’s most memorable castaways. While their journey on the show wasn’t exactly a masterclass in strategy, fans quickly grew attached to their candidness and resilience as they tackled challenges, not just on the island but also within themselves. Along the way, Teeny openly shared their struggles with identity, adding a deeply personal layer to their adventure.

From grappling with societal expectations around masculinity and gender roles to occasionally clashing with runner-up Sam Phalen, Teeny’s time on Survivor was as much about self-discovery as it was about outwitting and outlasting. Since the season wrapped filming in the summer of 2023, Teeny has taken incredible steps in their journey toward self-confidence and self-acceptance, sharing a major update in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Teeny, now 24, revealed that they identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns, moving away from the she/her pronouns they used during their time on the show. Additionally, they shared that they underwent top surgery earlier this year, describing the experience as “liberating” and life-changing.

“I got top surgery in September, so that has been just (no pun intended) a complete weight off my chest,” Teeny explained, reflecting on how the procedure helped them feel more at home in their own body. “It’s something that I’ve wanted for a really long time, and I think it’s given me a new lease on life in many ways.”

To celebrate their transformation, Teeny has shared snapshots of milestones, including their first shirtless swim and a bold, topless outfit worn to a Survivor 47 watch party in Los Angeles, where they matched with their best friend and fellow castaway, Sol Yi. The images radiate joy, and fans couldn’t be happier to see Teeny embracing their true self.

Interestingly, Teeny credits their Survivor experience for inspiring this leap toward authenticity. “The fact that I was so open about it out there [in Fiji] kind of allowed me to go into my life and bring that same sort of vulnerability,” they shared. Being on the show helped them express parts of themselves they hadn’t shared with people back home, giving friends and family an unfiltered view of their journey while doing something they’ve always loved.

Although Teeny has made great strides, they acknowledge that their journey is ongoing. “It’s ever-evolving for sure,” they said. “I’m still figuring things out, but I am proud to represent the genderqueer, non-binary people out there. There’s still a long road ahead for me, and I’m still in a very transitional state with all of it, but having that snapshot as part of my Survivor experience is something super special.”

Through it all—drunken escapades, temper tantrums, and Gen Z slang—Teeny has remained unapologetically themselves, earning the admiration of fans worldwide. You can relive their Survivor journey from start to finish on Paramount Plus or keep up with their life after the island on Instagram @teenychill. Their posts? Absolute top-tier content.

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