Chastity Bono's publicist confirms she is in "early stages of changing her gender"

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Chastity Bono, civil rights advocate, journalist, author and musician, is in the early stages of changing his gender -- transitioning from female to male, TMZ has learned.

Bono, the child of legendary entertainers Sonny and Cher, began the process earlier this year, shortly after his 40th birthday.

"Yes, it's true -- Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity," confirmed Bono's publicist, Howard Bragman.

"He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his 'coming out' did nearly 20 years ago.

We ask that the media respect Chaz's privacy during this long process as he will not be doing any interviews at this time."

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/11/chastity-bono-becoming-a-man/

[Taverner]

1. Wow - best of luck to him!

I hope everything goes smoothly!

[SpiralHawk]

2. Well, that just goes to show you

[glinda]

3. Difficult process and wishing all the best.

[alfredo]

4. Good luck and happiness to you.

[DearAbby]

5. Best of luck to him...n/t

[SoCalDem]

6. BOY, so I feel OLD.. I remember when Cher was pregnant

and how they used to close the show with that cute little toddler:)

[Sebastian Doyle]

7. That's cool, just as long as he doesn't end up looking like Sonny!

:evilgrin:

[Fuzz]

8. YIKES!

[hamsterjill]

9. A legitimate question, please

Okay, please don't jump my ass about this, but I have a question about this.

Does one properly refer to Chastity as "he" now? Before the change is complete? Or does one properly refer to Chastity as "she" up until the change is completed?

I would think it would be the person's choice as to how they wanted to be referred to, but I don't know Chastity personally.

Obviously this is, to some degree, still relatively new territory for the English language.

Any thoughts?

[cali]

10. Chaz is a he now. it's that simple.

[nolabear]

11. The publicist calls him "Chaz" now, so

lacking the ability to ask, I'd go with "him."

And best of luck to him. It's a brave undertaking.

[HughBeaumont]

12. The publicist is using male pronouns . . .

. . . I guess the rule is whatever identity they're potentially going to, that's what they should be addressed as, whether the re-assignment surgery is in process or not. I work with a TG who used to be a man, and right before reassignment was identified as "her", "she", etc (She's in the final stage of assignment).

I think it's all about what the person identifies themselves as and what they're most comfortable with.

[LynneSin]

13. It's not what's on the outside - but what's on the inside....

and I'm not talking body parts but just the feeling that you weren't born of the right sex. I hope I described it properly. Best of luck to Chaz!

[hamsterjill]

15. Thanks for the feedback.

I wondered about how to properly refer to Chaz. I noticed that comments referring to Chaz as a toddler were careful NOT to use a pronoun.

I, myself, remember watching Sonny & Cher with Chastity and "she" was a cute addition to the show.

I fully support the right of any person to be what they wish to be and to be referred to as whatever gender they (themselves) wish to be called. More power to Chaz for doing that which makes him feel healthy, whole and happy.

I know this may have sounded like an outrageous question, but as the ability for people to change gender becomes more available and medically possible, the issue will certainly come up again and I wanted to know if there were any "rules of etiquette" already in place.

[dmr]

14. Good for Chaz

Boy, I still can see Cher pregnant in my mind's eye, and also see Sonny holding his little toddler at the end of their TV show. Guess, it's true, I'm getting old.

My only hope for Chaz, or anyone else, is they be healthy, happy, to love and be loved.

:)

[marshall]

16. I wonder what Cher's reaction will be?

Ironically Sonny was more immediately accepting of Chasitity's being a lesbian. Cher couldn't seem to wrap her brain around it.