Cher’s Transgender Son Chaz Bono Claims America Needs to See Him on “DWTS”

Cher’s female-to-male transgender son Chaz Bono has fired back a reply at those who suggest that he should not be permitted to participate in the forthcoming “Dancing With the Stars” season 13 due to his sexuality.

Bono has been preparing for his debut “DWTS” performance and at the end of yesterday’s rehearsal at the Los Angeles dance studio, he had a quick word with ABC News’ reporters. He said, “It’s made me realize I’m really glad I’m doing this, because America really needs to see this.”

Bono was recently named among the 12 contestants who will be competing in the reality dance show’s 13^th season from September 19. A transgender on such a hit show isn’t what many conservative-minded people want to see and therefore, the have asked the show’s producers to exclude Bono from the cast or risk widespread boycott.

It should be noted that Bono underwent gender transition in 2008, which transformed him into a male- an action extremely disliked among religious and conservative circles.

One such extreme opponent of Bono’s inclusion on “DWTS” is Monica Cole, who directs the website OneMillionMoms.com. In a sit-down with Inside Edition, she said, “We will not be able to watch the show with Chaz on there. This is going to be very confusing for children, and should not be included in their cast.”

But all the ruckus supplies ammunition for Bono to continue his struggle for transgender people’s equal rights. He explained, “You know, it just kind of shows why for me it’s important to be on the show, because so little still is known about what it means to be transgender. And there’s so many just completely inaccurate stereotypes and thoughts that people have.”

While Bono may have taken a soft approach to answer his critics, his adviser Howard Bragman went into more details on why his client is perfect for the dancing show.

Bragman said, “Watching Chaz Bono dance is not going to make your kid transgender. But what it can do is possibly save your kids life because young transgender kids, kids with gender identity issues, have a huge suicide rate and if they see one positive influence, one positive role model, this can save lives and that’s why Chaz is here.”

Source: [ABCNews]

Image Source: [kevingarden.com]