“Becoming Chaz” is a documentry how Cher and Sonny Bono’s daughter transitioned to Chaz Bono. It is must watch TV that will air at 9.30pm on Monday the 9th of January on Lifestyle You.
Chaz Salvatore Bono (Salvatore is in honour of his late fathers real first name ) was born Chastity Sun Bono on March 4, 1969 and he is an American transgender advocate, writer, and musician. Bono is the only child of American entertainers Sonny and Cher.
In “Becoming Chaz” we explore his remarkable transition to the man he is today from that she woman she was.
We start off seing Chastity as a young girl on the Sonny and Cher show – a sweet little blonde haired cherub. Chaz explains though that as a child of famous parents your life is always centered around them – but in most family dynamics – the parents revolve themselves around what the children want and need, so he learnt to fly under the radar.
He has hated his body since puberty, he would go to bed crying and hoping he would wake up a boy. We then see Chaz taking his male hormones he has been on for months.
Cher says she is OK when he announces his transition from female to male, with the quote “I’ll live with it” – not that supportive, Cher! Jenny, his girlfriend of 6 years was angry – even though he told her 6 months in to their relationship he would want to change.
In San Fransisco, Chaz is about to get a breast removal. Doctors teach us that being transgender is a medical condition like diabetes and in 1999 was declared a medical condition not “a state of mind”. In 2004 – transsexuals were allowed to compete in Olympics.
A really funny line is when girlfriend Jenny says “I have never seen you in a dress” as Chaz is in his hospital robe.
Due to hormones he wants sex more than ever and he thinks its great – her, not so much. But there is more intimacy – as Jenny was never allowed to touch his breasts before surgery. Men suddenly on hormones get change in appearance, facial hair and baldness – also temperament.
Cher says she doesnt want to see him after the surgery! Again selfishness comes in – in my opinion. Cher got hysterical when she heard Chastity’s old voice – knowing she will never hear it again. Why not forget about you and your image and care about your child?
The Bono family are alot more accepting and loving – they are Bono’s they say. Sonny would be more supportive Cher says as Cher wasn’t even happy when Chastity came out gay. Is very emotional when you see flash backs of Sonny.
We see negative feedback and even Chaz himself says – “People may call me a freakazoid – but I am happy”. His hormones can cause so much anguish and health problems such as liver damage, cancer, edema, hypertension and depression – but watch this and be proud. If you don’t know your true self find it.
The courage and strength of Chaz is inspiring to me and hopefully all who watch. It’s heartbreaking, uplifting and sad all at once. I am honoured to have seen such a wonderful and heartfelt doco. Not all will accept the choices and lifestyles in this, but it is an amazing look at the human spirit.
Obviously there are more dynamics and alot more Cher – but you need to watch it for the heartbreak and beauty.
Becoming Chaz airs at 9.30pm Monday January 9, 2012, after Wife Swap on Lifestyle You.
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