I was going to post a reaction to some of the shitty comments that appeared on LGBT websites when Chaz Bono's transition was announced, but that's shit work that I kept on putting off. Instead of promoting that negativity, here's Cher's reaction:
"Chaz is embarking on a difficult journey, but one that I will support. I respect the courage it takes to go through this transition in the glare of public scrutiny, and although I may not understand, I will strive to be understanding."
Cher goes on to say, "The one thing that will never change is my abiding love for my child."
One of the biggest gaystream icons out there just endorsed respecting trans folk. I hope the celeb power there makes some people open their hearts and minds.
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7 Comments
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Cher sounds a lot like my Mom when I first told her I'd be transitioning. Chaz and I share at least one thing: We're both damn lucky that way.
Rebecca Juro | June 20, 2009 7:15 PM
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Cher's professional reputation is not at stake. So why the big question ? Who cares if fat assed Chastity is a man or woman ? She doesn't do much to speak our in favor for gay civil rights.
Chuckyboy | June 20, 2009 9:00 PM
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Chaz actually did plenty of work for the movement - see Cathy Renna's post about his time at GLAAD:
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/06/chaz_bono_transitions_a_few_memories_of.php
Not that that's even his responsibility to work for the movement. Not every LGBT person is going to help out and that's their prerogative.
And there's no need to call Chaz "she" or "fat-assed." If you had something of substance to say you would have done it without the insults.
Alex Blaze | June 20, 2009 10:02 PM
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Chuckyboy,
I don't care much for Chaz either, but then I don't think too much of any of our celeb "representatives," whose politics are usually ho-hum gaycon/pro gay marriage, and I really don't think we ought to be quite so hung up on celebrity culture (and Chaz barely counts as a celebrity). Plus, I find it hard to respect someone who supposedly wants to be left alone and then, by some accounts, shops his story around to select outlets.
I do love Cher, though, for her remark, "Marriage is an institution, and who wants to be part of an institution?" And even if her statement in support of Chaz comes from a p.r firm, as I suspect it might, it's at least an honest statement.
But, Chuckyboy, the least we can do, despite our feelings about Chaz, is respect his choice of gender pronoun and change of name.
Yasmin Nair | June 20, 2009 10:22 PM
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To gain respect we must respect one another Chaz actually did do quite a bit for the community and HE should be praised and HE should be respected and HE should be supported and HE is lucky to have such a supportive mom of such a open and out SON. I hope that all goes well for HIM because HE deserves it. And I can't help but think what this means to some young trans BOY out there who has heard it and maybe HE gained a little bit of self respect for HIMSELF and felt a connection that made HIM feel some support for HIM from others of us.
Rob Barton | June 20, 2009 11:38 PM
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I get more and more respect for you every time I see your comments. Thank you.
MonicaHelms | June 21, 2009 8:52 AM
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We all deserve support for braving one day to the next. Life is not simple or gentle. People can help make acceptance and support simple and gentle. I support Chaz, and I feel goofy to think that I'd even have to write or say it.
Alex, thanks for sharing the note of Cher's support and love for her child. I, too, enjoyed and enjoy loving support from my Mom, who's 81 and my Dad, who died on Veterans Day in 2000. I am blessed. Part of that blessing is having our community as a relative constant.
Diego | June 21, 2009 11:33 AM
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