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Why Chaz Matters

by Jacob Anderson-Minshall | Article Date: 07/02/2009 10:00 AM
Why Chaz Matters
 
 

It was the fastest anyone has ever come out trans.  Within moments of TMZ’s June 11 announcement, emails, text messages, tweets and retweets zipped the news around the globe: Cher’s daughter Chasity Bono, was transitioning from lesbian to male.

Introduced as a toddler on The Sonny & Cher Show and appearing on a People cover by age seven, Chaz Bono is the first person to come out trans after growing up in front of the camera.  In doing so, he may have catapulted transgender people into the territory Ellen DeGeneres took lesbians with her, “Yep, I’m gay,” cover of Time magazine. 

The kind of public life Bono has led cements the connection we feel to celebrities; and grants them greater impact on American perceptions and values than a dozens of everyday activists.

He is the first pop culture figure to come out as a trans man and he’s doing it in classic celebrity style: having a publicist release a statement (thus thwarting tabloid rumors and controlling spin) and then retiring to a private retreat to complete his metamorphosis.

Through spokesman Howard Bragman, Bono has said he hopes his “choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue.”  And there’s a good chance it will, despite concerns about how his coming out is being reported.

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Why Chaz Matters
 

 
jenimarie706 view my profile
Thursday, July 2 2009 | 13:01:50
Why Chaz Matters
Chaz's "coming out" Transgender was incredibly brave and courageous His notoriety and public persona offers the Trans community a wonderful opportunity to further educate the general public on what it is to be Trans, and the challenging issues most Trans people face. His public transition may also provide gender, or sexual orientation questioning youth with a role model that may give them insight and courage to follow their hearts and allow them to be who they really are. Cher's example of love and support for her son, Chaz, may also teach parents how to gracefully love and accept their Transgender children. Chaz, you have our deepest appreciation and respect and many kudos to your mother, Cher, as well, for her love and support of her brave Transgender child.
 
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