Great story this...
Chaz Bono and Cate McGregor: Standing tall after gender transitionOne was the child of pop stars, the other an army officer. Both had a feeling they were not who they should be, writes Rick Feneley - via Sydney Morning Herald (smh.com.au)
Chaz Bono and Cate McGregor will share a Sydney stage this month, a man and a woman comfortable in their own skins. And yet, until five years ago, Chaz was Chastity Bono, the daughter of Sonny and Cher, the pop duo. Until 2012, Cate was Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm McGregor, AM, speech writer to chief of army David Morrison, former political adviser to Labor premier Bob Carr and Liberal leader John Hewson, journalist, author and cricket tragic who counted the sport's greats among his friends.
And still does, now that she is Lt Colonel Cate McGregor. The army chief refused to accept her resignation when she made the transition from man to woman.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will feature McGregor and Bono as star attractions and advocates for the transgender community, a group of people sorely needing heroes and role models as they endure rejection, vilification, violence and a suicide rate that is reportedly 14 times higher than for other Australians. As a trans woman who escaped such social isolation, McGregor feels a responsibility to offer her story as one of hope.
