Chaz Bono Won’t Quit “Dancing With the Stars”

Transgender advocate and legendary singer Cher’s son Chaz Bono has said that he won’t succumb to the pressure of his haterz and plans to compete on ABC’s reality contest “Dancing With the Stars.”

Earlier this week, ABC announced the 12-member cast for the new season of the hit dancing contest, which will go on air from September 19.

There were two controversial selections made by the network. The main target of opposition of conservative-minded groups was Bono and to a lesser extent gay fashion designer Carson Kressley.

Bono underwent gender transformation surgery in 2008 and legally became a male, which has made him hateful figure in parenting and religious organisations. One such conservation group is Culture & Media Institute (CMI), whose representative Dan Gainor appeared on Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and said that Bono’s selection on “Dancing With the Stars” is “another example of how Hollywood and particularly television force a sexual agenda on America.”

Many other groups have told their followers to stop watching the ABC show in protest to Bono’s inclusion.

Bono meanwhile, has defended himself and said he won’t back out of the competition. In a recent sit-down with San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, Bono said, “Nope. We are going forward no matter what. The most important thing,” Bono added, “is that I wish there was someone like me on television when I was a kid, or even when I was a little older and struggling so much. That is the inspiration for me. I know I can reach more people this way, those who are afraid to be themselves, or unsure and scared.”

Source: [ontopmag.com]