Book and documentary for Chaz Bono

Source: Acceptance Pages | July 3, 2011

Over 40 years ago, American icons Sonny and Cher became the proud parents of an adorable little girl they named Chastity. As she got older, she appeared on her parent’s TV show on several occasions, and she seemed to live a fairytale. However, over the years, she became famous for coming out on a national stage. She went on to work with two major organizations toward LGBT rights and published two books. But the story doesn’t end there – in June 2009, Chastity decided to become Chaz, probable the most high-profile transgender person ever.

In the book ''Transition'', Chaz candidly shares all of his experiences and the slow process of his struggle to match his gender identity with his physical body, his transformation from female to male. The first chapters are dedicated to his decision to transition, beginning in his childhood when signs of his transgenderism already showed - playing on boys' teams and wearing boys' clothing whenever possible. He goes on to talk about coming out in his twenties, up to 2008, the death of his father, a prolonged struggle with drug addiction and finally reaching the point where he was ready to begin the process of changing his gender. In the second part, he offers an unprecedented record of the transition in words and photographs, much like a diary. These chapters capture the day-to-day momentum of his life as his body changes.

And in January, the documentary ''Becoming Chaz'' made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. In May it has been aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network, making it the First serious account of transgenderism to reach millions of people all over the World. ''We are proud to present this heartfelt and honest portrayal of Chaz’s personal transformation to our viewers,'' Lisa Erspamer chief creative officer, said in a statement. ''These courageous portraits engage conversation and we are pleased to have them join OWN.'' As in the book, the documentary touches on themes of identity, gender, and sexuality, communication and problems between parents and children, and how harboring secrets can be more harmful than any physical hurt.

And now that his transformation from female to male is complete, Chaz Bono wants to focus on his future with his longtime partner, Jennifer Elia. The couple, who will celebrate their sixth anniversary in August, are legally free to marry because Chaz is now considered a man by law.

Bron: http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Chaz+Bono