Cher and the late Sonny Bono’s child, Chaz, made headlines this June when he announced plans to transition from a female to male. Chaz’s publicist said at the time that he would not be granting media interviews and that “we ask that the media respect Chaz’s privacy during this long process.” Then, last month, TMZ reported that Chaz, 40, had signed a “high six figure” deal for his memoir, tentatively titled Coming Clean. (There were also rumors of a documentary-style reality show chronicling Chaz’s transition, but we haven’t heard about that since.)
According to TMZ, Chaz’s book won’t be due out until 2011. It looks like he could be doing some early promotion, though. Contact Music reports that Chaz will appear on Entertainment Tonight on Thursday. I couldn’t confirm this as there’s nothing about it on ET’s website, and it’s possible that all ET has is an offhand comment he made to a photographer who happened to videotape it. Contact Music reports it as an interview though.
CHER’s former daughter CHASTITY BONO has opened up about the sex-change procedure which will officially transform a she into a he in a candid new TV interview.
Now known as Chaz, Bono underwent months of gender reassignment treatment at the beginning of last year
Bono now speaks in a deeper tone and reveals hormones have already started to change his body.In a new interview with news show Entertainment Tonight, which will debut on Thursday (29Oct09), Chaz reveals he felt like a male from “the time I was a child,” and adds he’s really beginning to live like a guy: “I shave about once a week now.”
[From Contact Music]
A potential interview with Entertainment Weekly doesn’t sound promising and I was hoping Chaz would give his first interview to a more prestigious outlet, like Oprah. I’ll admit I haven’t seen Entertainment Weekly in a few years though as I’ve been living overseas.
I looked through the Chaz Bono archives on ET’s site, and they do have a very respectful, balanced interview with Alexis Arquette about her experience as a transgendered person in America. She says that it wasn’t as hard coming out as a transgendered person from a famous family and that there are places in the world where transgendered people can be legally murdered in the streets. She tells Chaz that “he is not alone and he’s never been alone and anyone like him will never be alone.”
As for what Alexis feels comfortable talking about, she tells nosy people “don’t go poking up my shirt or down my top. It’s just not appropriate. It’s not right. I know people want to understand this subject, but not at the cost of someone else’s privacy.” Alexis says that the People Magazine cover story titled “Chastity’s Choice” isn’t technically accurate, because he “made the choice to come out as transgendered [he] never made the choice of being transgendered. Nobody would chose this life… We all just want to be accepted for who we are.” As for what Alexis and Chaz are hoping for in terms of public acceptance, Alexis explains it simply: “A smile is so much better than pointing at somebody.”
I’m very interested in hearing what Chaz has to say in his first interview since the change, and I’m sending him a smile.
Chaz is shown out on 10/24/09. He’s lost weight since the last time we saw him. Credit: Coqueran/Fame Pictures
Are those the ONLY pair of shoes he owns?
Chaz high five. I’m not gay but I accept you for who you are. I have so much more respect when gay men and women that come out of the closet instead of living a lie and hiding it. Congrats on the weight loss keep up the good work.
@ Firestarter – Yeah, what is it with those ugly things? I bet Cher has a much harder time with Chaz’s fashion choices than his gender reassignment! lol
Chaz is the same age as me, and I remember seeing her on her parents’ show when she was little. She never looked very happy to me then, and I hope he is finding his happiness now.
Transgender……..I don’t accept that way of living. Sorry.
Drinking plenty of water is vital to good health.
Popcorny makes an interesting point. Aside from the sexuality issue, what is it about wanting to be a man instead of being a lesbian? I was trying to think of “guy things”, and anything I think of, other than specific sex things, women can do without having to be a “man”. Admittedly I am totally not a guy, so maybe there are “guy things” my husband hasn’t told me about. I thought of something: grow a goatee, that’s about the only other thing I’m coming up with. I think I’m starting to agree with Popcorny :-)It takes all kinds to make the world go round I guess.
FTM trans is not the same thing as lesbian. Lesbians are women who are sexually attracted to other women. Transgendered people are uncomfortable living as their physical sex. Recent fMRI studies indicate that there is a difference in neurological function between people who are cisgendered and those who are transgendered.
It’s rather harsh to assume transition and surgery are done to “indulge a fantasy.” These people go through years of pain, planning, therapy, drug regimens, and (obviously) exposure to ignorance and hatred. Do you really think it’s as simple as playing dress-up? For many transgendered people, their choices are transition or death. Do you really believe they would go through all of those processes if the solution was really as simple as, “Oh, I’ll just wear baggy pants and sleep with women”? Gender identity does actually involve factors other than sexuality.
Nobody asked YOU to accept it Shelly. if it doesnt affect or harm anyone then who cares?
The word “fantasy” may be harsh -but it’s accurate.
Also, neurological differences can be attained over a matter of time via conditioning -and depression is one example, as is drug use (pick your poison) and many other factors including repitition of thought processes.
So, using that sort of data to insinuate that the difference in the brain(s) means that these people were born different (as if she was born a male in a female’s body) is disingenuous at best and completely false.
I don’t think that Chaz has lost any weight, but it looks like he has had “top surgery” (breasts removed).
Sonny must be rolling in his grave.
I happen to know a few transgender men… and I can only emphasize, that this is NOT a choice, but a basic necessity for them: finally bhaving the gender you always felt you had anyway. It’s a hard, long way with many obsticles. Nobody who hasn’t been through this him/herself can understand, what it’s like. Me neither…
Chaz still has a p*ssy, so that makes Chaz a “she” and not a “he”.
She should have worked on getting to a healthy weight before making the transition from female to male…
I also know several female to male transgendered individuals, and I can assure you all that it’s not a choice. Who on earth would ever choose to do something like that? Nobody, that’s who. It’s much, much more than a choice. It’s waking up every day feeling like you’re living a lie because your own body misrepresents you. I cannot imagine how devastated I would be to feel so uncomfortable about my own skin. Transitioning is a life-saver for these people. Instead of scorning them, we should embrace them for having the courage to go through such a difficult change in order to be happy.
Minnie, you’re clearly very ignorant about the transitioning process, or you would know that the hormones taken during this time cause weight gain and bloating. Chaz is probably exercising regularly even to remain the weight he was before he started transitioning. Also, you cannot have sexual reassignment surgery until you’ve been taking the hormones for an extended period of time. Transitioning is a process, that’s why it’s called transitioning. You don’t just wake up one day suddenly having a different gender.
He needs to loose some weight or his boobs will come right back! Waste of that surgery.
Voodoobetty:
Stating MY opinion. It can & does affect/hurt others along the way. I don’t care what anyone says, I’m speaking from personal experience and am entitled to disagree and have my own thoughts on this.
Not pretending a male is a female (or that a female is a male) isn’t “scorn” nor is it “against” anyone.
It’s not denying how these people feel or the turmoil they go through.
It is not derisive or cruel to say that they can not truly achieve becoming the opposite gender. Nor does it claim that these people “have a choice” -that seems to be a ghost argument here, thus far anyway.
We have little choice on how we feel, but we do have many choices in how we deal with the feelings.
I’m really trying to understand this, bc as I said earlier I thought Popcorny made an interesting point. So, I’m trying to think in reverse, what if I were in a man’s body? And I guess I can see the point syffitf and shannon bring up. I really can’t imagine being in a man’s body. Literally – I can’t suspend reality and put my head in that place. Nothing comes to mind. And I think that is why there is such a polarized opinion on it. It’s hard to acknowledge what we are unable to believe exists.
Some of you spew so much ignorance and hate it’s unbelievable. How is Chaz’ life affecting yours? Oh, that’s right. It doesn’t affect you, so get off your soapbox and save your vitriol. Your approval is not necessary nor is it warranted.
I wish Chaz all the best, and a happy life.
I guess you know it’s real when you want to cut your breasts off..wow, that is intense. haha..LB..you are right..just got rid of those boobs only to be replaced by moobs.drat. I wonder if they can lipo out boobs?
I wish Chaz all the best!!
And I would like to THANK him for having the courage to do what he has felt his whole life.
Shellz – He did not choose “this way of living” so butt the eff out!! Why are you even reading the story if it is so offensive to you??
Where do you people live that you know SEVERAL transgendered people?
And Minnie is correct. Chaz is still a “she”.
The last time I looked around I was still in America where we can have a opinion that differs with others.
It coming to the point that if you do not agree with the PC Crowd you are labeled a bigot or ignorant or just not with it, kind of scary that we can not speak are mind.
OK off my soapbox, I have compassion for gays and transgender people, do I understand them no, but I know I see them as a person, or new friend, before I see them or even care for their sexual identity.
Wow, I know I’m going to catch flack for this as Shelly Shellz, but I don’t agree with it either. I think it’s people like this in the spotlight (Hollywood) that have such a negative impact on the children of today. All morals have gone right out the window. “Chaz” will forever be a SHE, it’s the way she was born, you can’t change that. So go on now, start bashing me because I don’t support this or all of your ways of thinking…by the way, I guess you all also think it’s ok for people to horribly bash you verbally when they don’t agree with you? That’s alright, what goes around comes around…
These comments are the same ones that have come up on every Chaz thread.
Some people don’t understand him, so people are supportive and some people obviously fear what they do not know.
I wish him the best. And yes, it does look as though he’s had some recent surgery.
Was the weight gain part of “his” plan to look more manly? I don’t get it…But, in terms of the transition, good for her and I wish her good luck. It’s hard enough being yourself as a hetero in this society.
FYI: michelle: Studies have suggested that people with lower IQ’s are more angry and hateful and this leads to much ignorance.
The word “transgender” says it all.
Gender refers to language, not science.
Culturally speaking, Chastity Bono may be transitioning to the male gender.
But Chastity Bono will always be a female. It’s part of her DNA.
If she wants to be a dude, then be a dude. Who cares. Shes not hurting anyone. But I question the super stereotypical fat, sloppy, ball-scratching, most likely smelly, farting, beer drinking overtly testosteroned guy-image she is portraying. A little bit of overcompensation if you ask me. I understand she feels she is a man, but this is going a little overboard if you ask me. And you didnt, I know. But a shower and shave wouldnt hurt.
The beauty is that people are free to be who they choose to be despite your omnipresent disapproval Shelly Shellz. If you don’t care what anybody else says, then don’t expect anyone to care what you say.
How not-so-cunningly manipulative to wrap yourself in a “victim blanket” by misrepresenting what others are saying.
No one on this thread is “hating” Bono. Seems like a made-up argument to villify those that are saying that no matter what she does -she won’t be male, that she’ll have some characteristics, but still not a man.
So, the hostility/hatred seems to be on the other side -especially when lacking a proper argument/rebuttal. (righhhht,”Justathought”?).
But, here’s another thought -mentally handicapped/lowered IQ people tend to be happier, much happier.
For all of this talk about tolerance and the need to be accepting of people, it would seem that there are many who are intolerant of others people’s opinions or beliefs. Not everyone has to believe as the rest of us do, and they sure do not deserve to be called names because their views differ from ours. just sayin.
Just my 2 cents:] I agree with Tess that regardless of the operations Chaz will never be a male. It’s in the DNA folks.
However, it doesn’t affect me and if it makes Chaz or any other transgendered person happy then go for it.
But the fact remains that Chaz (and that “man” Beatie who had a baby) are really women – genetically speaking. Plain and simple, no if’s and or butts about it.
Once again, I agree with Firestarter. I think transexuals are creepy, but that is my opinion. I do not presume to tell them that they cannot do what they wish with their own bodies, I just think it’s nasty. I tolerate them and would never bash them or be rude to them, but I do not have to agree with their choices, or like what they do. Some people seem to think that tolerance means not only agreeing with everything that people choose to do, but loving it as well. That is not what tolerance is about. Everyone is entitled to their opinions on any given issue, but you are not allowed to infringe on their rights by beating them up or whatever.
It is actually the height of intolerance to call people names, to scream and shout and act like a child when confronted with an opinion that you do not hold. And it’s especially ironic that it is done most often by the people who claim to be the most tolerant and open-minded of all (the liberals). I’m a conservative Christian, supposedly the most intolerant bigoted creature to ever walk the Earth, yet I do not care what people do with their lives. You want a sex change, go ahead. You’re gay? OK fine. Live your life, and I will live mine. I may not agree or like your choices, but I will not preach to you or call you names, so please extend the same courtesy to me. When did people stop being civil and respectful of other people’s opinions?
Oh and I think Chaz seems like a cool person, and I would probably like to be friends with her/him.
I’m rooting for Chaz on this, I wish him good luck. And I hope that people like him and Alexis Arquette will show others that being trans is not a choice.
Sadly, I think that many people spend their entire lives trying to make up for a childhood deficit.
In this case, a shortage of mother love.
Now this deficit may be real or imagined. But the reality is that the effect is the same. Cher’s daughter has an unquenchable hunger for mother love, female affection. Nothing will ever fill this void that she feels.
This is life. Life is not perfect or perfectable.
I ask this out of curiosity and not necessarily because I doubt anything, I don’t really know enough about it to be truthful. But for those saying that it’s a medical necessity etc, there’s no other choice because they were born this way etc, @ Mon and @ Shannon………..
what did people do before this operation / transition was medically possible ?
I wish him happiness. You can’t judge anyone until you’ve walked in their shoes…or sandals as the case may be :). Be grateful if you’re happy with who you are – it’s a blessing. He must have gone through a lot of mental turmoil to come to this decision.
“GOOD ON YOU,” CHAZ!
While a transgendered person cannot transition biologically (change their DNA) to the opposite gender, for all intents and purposes Chaz is a man. Doctors are even considering removing gender identity disorder from the DSM just like homosexuality was removed years ago. GID isn’t a mental illness, like a delusion or psychosis. I pity those who are unable to feel empathy unless it is something they themselves have experienced.
Does he really thing the only way to be a man is to have no neck? What the hell is up with that? He could be a really attractive guy – lose the overweight hillbilly truckdriver look, man, geez!
Syd: I live in Indiana. We had 4 trans folks at our house about a month ago to celebrate my son’s second birthday. All at the same time! We even let them use our bathrooms!
If you meet someone new and they say, “Hi, I’m Nathan, but that’s only what it says on my birth certificate; I actually prefer that people call me Paul.” Are you gonna say, “Well you were born ‘Nathan’, so that’s what I’m going to call you regardless of what you want.” No, of course not, you’re going to call him Paul because that is his preference.
Same goes for “he” and “she.” Of course Chaz is still technically a woman, he still has a uterus and ovaries and a vagina. But if he prefers that people call him a “he” and not a “she,” I think ignoring that is a douchey thing to do.
I just got done reading all of the comments… And it really made me feel bad as a person. I owe Shelly Shellz an apology. I do not know you personally and yes, this is a site where you can say whatever you want, and have whatever opinions you want. That is the beauty of these blogs/comments. So, if I have offended anyone I am sorry.
And to the Pickelhaube – You made a lot of sense to me.. Thank You!
Yep, opinions are out there. Everyone has one. I`m just a little unnerved about the fact that Chaz is so overweight. He`s taking male hormones, he`s already at risk for heart disease. Please loose the belly fat, and take care of your health.
Icecat-
Thanks! I think the weird thing is, everyone here is making sense. You just have to try and see things from everyone’s perspective. If everyone did that, we all might actually get somewhere…and even if not, we might gain some new understanding of each other.
And GatsbyGal is right. I would call anyone whatever they want to be called, he, she, male, female, because what does it hurt to do that? I guess I feel like, I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or be an ass over something so trivial. If it makes them happy, and isn’t hurting anyone, why not? And it’s true, I DON’T know how transsexuals feel, so really it’s all kinda a moot point. But I do wish them happiness, especially Chaz, because it would be nice to see more happy people out there. It makes the world a better place 🙂
orion70: some people would have just suffered, possibly without knowing why-rates of depression, suicide etc are much higher in the trans community than the rest of the queer community. Others may have just dressed as the gender they felt appropriate, there was a cross dressing Egyptian pharoah, and I think a French king, too. And then others would sadly have been persecuted for it.