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Chastity Bono -- Becoming a Man

Posted Jun 11th 2009 3:00PM by TMZ Staff

Chastity BonoChastity 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."

Launch photos

Tags: chas, chastity bono, ChastityBono, cher, lesbian, sex change operation, SexChangeOperation, sonny and cher, SonnyAndCher, transgender

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(Page 2 of 40) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. was chastity ever a female? it's news that it ever was. all it needs is for it's waste-of-a-mother to kill herself, then it wouldnt be so confused.

Posted at 3:13PM on Jun 11th 2009 by carrie prejean

17. Good for him.

As for all of you "this is why terrorists hate us and what's wrong with America," shut the hell up. What's right for one person may not be right for you, but it does give you the right to hate for it. Hatred is what's wrong with the WORLD. Stick your heads a little further up your own asses and keep your mouths shut.

Posted at 3:20PM on Jun 11th 2009 by Hope

18.
Too bad this brave step will be attacked by people who are not afraid to show how hateful and ridiculous they are.
Chas is brave and acting with integrity that comes with "to thine own self be true." Naturally the result will be: attack.

Go Chas!

Posted at 3:14PM on Jun 11th 2009 by Bonnie

19. Well now, if "SHE" is a "HE' it can date its mother.

Posted at 3:14PM on Jun 11th 2009 by WHAT??

20. Some people need to respect others and stop criticizing them, if they feel more comfortable changing their sex then that is their choice. It is not up to us to judge who or what they do, let people be who they want to be!

Posted at 3:17PM on Jun 11th 2009 by Pandora123

21. TMZ, I have to commend you for such a respectfully and tastefully written post. Kudos!

Posted at 4:16PM on Jun 11th 2009 by K8

22. That's ridiculous. Do I believe in gender reassignment surgery? Yes. Only problem is that psychologists have proven that when men feel they were born in the wrong body and need SRS surgery to become a woman it is feasible, both psychologically AND physically. When women want to become "men" they just have "penis envy" and they in fact are not capable of the feelings a male goes through about being in the wrong body. Secondly, they will never have "male parts". They are just "butch lesbians". And that's fine with me, just don't trick yourself into thinking you're a man.
To the people who think neither male or females should do this I'm not speaking to you because people will do this regardless and I'm not saying if it's "right" or "wrong" whatever that is anyway. And no, I'm not a tranny or whatever the pop word is this month. Just someone giving info backed up by decades of psychological research.

Posted at 3:18PM on Jun 11th 2009 by Prole Hater

23. wow..... just. wow.

Posted at 3:18PM on Jun 11th 2009 by Larry Ganka

24. Is there something in the water supply of Hollyweird that f*cks with peoples heads? Seriously. Its a city of wackos !!

Im waiting for two people who really want to be close to each other have both their heads transplanted onto one body. Ya know, like that classic B flick THE THING WITH TWO HEADS where NFL player Rosey Grier has his head transplanted onto the body of Ray Milland. Seriously, I would NOT be shocked by that.

Posted at 3:18PM on Jun 11th 2009 by John Galt for President 2012

25. if "she" wants to be a man so bad why does he still wear make-up?? Im confused.

Posted at 3:21PM on Jun 11th 2009 by lindsay

26. Why is it that whenever we get any "straight" forward reporting on TMZ without biased or any underlying sarcasm when the story is reported, is when the story pertains to homosexuality. Usually we get a barrage of Milton Burle inspired quips to go along with a story, and a celeb deciding to turn themselves into a man is more then ripe for the joke territory, but no, we get a very "straight" forward non noscence relay, as if half the people who cme on here ae even old enough to know who the hell she is anyway

Posted at 3:23PM on Jun 11th 2009 by Bullworth

27. It *is* brave. I just have to stand here and put my hands together for "Chaz," and his bravery. Nevermind the double amputee - you whiner! Change "Chaz's" gender because "Chaz" is too good for a dildo. Although that's not what she said...

Posted at 3:26PM on Jun 11th 2009 by ReallyBummed

28. Good for you, Chaz! It's your decision and no one elses. No one has the right to criticize you for doing what you feel is right. More power to you!

Posted at 3:26PM on Jun 11th 2009 by AnimalLove4Life

29. I TOLD YA she loved pen|is all along!!!!!!!!!!! :-D

Posted at 4:34PM on Jun 24th 2009 by metromediasquare.com

30. Congrats Chaz! As a COMPLETELY post operative transman, myself, welcome to the LONG journey. It is well worth the time, effort, and BS to become who we were meant to me in the first place. Forget the naysayers as they lack common sense and an education in the sciences to understand this. Hang in there and enjoy the ride.

Posted at 3:27PM on Jun 11th 2009 by chris t

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