COVER STORY: The most interesting trans man in the worldChaz Bono reflects on coming out to Sonny and Cher, appearing on 'Dancing with the Stars' and even his love life as he prepares to headline the 31st annual Black Tie Dinner Saturday in Dallas
DAVID TAFFET | Staff Writer | Posted on 02 Nov 2012 at 9:15am
http://www.dallasvoice.com/interesting-trans-man-world-10130690.html
SONNY'S BOY | During his transition, Bono said he turned primarily to his father's side of the family for support. And Bono, a Democrat, recently co-hosted a political fundraiser for his stepmother, Republican California Congresswoman Mary Bono-Mack. (Courtesy of Chaz Bono)Chaz Bono says there was a big difference between coming out as a transgender man three years ago and coming out as a lesbian 15 years ago.
"Not even in the same ballpark," he said.
When Bono came out as a lesbian, his mother, Cher, had difficulty accepting him and they didn't speak for about a week. When he came out as a trans man, she didn't speak to him for almost a year.
"When I started transitioning, although she tried to be incredibly supportive, it hit her when my voice started to change," he said.
Their relationship is much better now. But, Bono said, his mother's still not completely comfortable with the idea.
Bono will be in Dallas to receive the Elizabeth Birch Equality Award at Black Tie Dinner on Nov. 3. The award is presented to an individual, organization or company that has made a significant contribution of national scope to the LGBT community.
