Chaz Bono has faced immense challenges throughout his life, many of which were compounded by growing up in the public eye as the child of iconic entertainer Cher. Living under constant scrutiny can be difficult for anyone, and for Chaz, the journey to self-discovery and authenticity has been anything but easy.
Yet, his story is one of resilience and transformation, making it deeply inspiring. At 39 years old, in 2011, Chaz took the courageous step to begin his transition from female to male. While Cher has always been a loving and supportive mother, the road wasn’t without its bumps.
In fact, Cher initially struggled to accept Chaz’s identity as a gay individual. When he first came out, her reaction was intense. According to Chaz, she was initially overwhelmed and even reacted emotionally.
Chaz Bono’s Early Life
View this post on Instagram
Many people recognize Cher for her legendary music and acting career. Her rise to fame began alongside Sonny Bono, her first husband and professional partner. The two met in Los Angeles when Cher, just 16 years old, had moved there to pursue acting and music. Sonny, who worked as an assistant for the renowned producer Phil Spector, helped her land opportunities as a backup singer for hit tracks like Be My Baby by The Ronettes and You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ by The Righteous Brothers.
Their romantic and professional partnership blossomed, leading to the creation of the famous duo Sonny & Cher. They achieved fame with their breakout hit Baby Don’t Go in 1964, and their careers skyrocketed. Amidst their success, they welcomed their child, Chastity Bono, on March 4, 1969.
Chaz was introduced to the spotlight early, often appearing alongside his parents on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. He became a familiar face to television audiences, but behind the scenes, he faced an internal struggle.
Discovering Identity
From a young age, Chaz felt out of place. He couldn’t connect with the typical interests of girls his age, such as fashion or school crushes. By the time he was 13, he realized he was gay, a realization that brought clarity but also anxiety about how it would be received by others.
At 18, Chaz came out as a lesbian to his parents. For Cher, who later became a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community, the initial revelation was a challenge. “It wasn’t easy for me at first,” she admitted in an interview. Chaz recalls that her initial reaction was quite dramatic, but with time, Cher’s love and understanding grew.
Years later, Chaz began a new chapter in his journey. At age 39, he made the life-changing decision to transition to male. This included both physical and legal changes, with a California court officially recognizing his gender and name change in 2010.
A Transformative Journey
Chaz’s transition was documented in Becoming Chaz, a film that premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and later aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network. The documentary offered an intimate look into his experiences, including the challenges he faced and his evolving relationship with his family.
Cher admitted that the transition took some adjustment on her part. She recounted moments of grief but ultimately embraced the change, understanding that Chaz’s essence remained the same. “You don’t lose them,” she explained. “They’re just in a different form.”
Overcoming Personal Struggles
In addition to navigating his gender transition, Chaz has battled with obesity for much of his life. Weighing 250 pounds at one point, he often struggled to feel comfortable in his body. However, the process of transitioning motivated him to focus on his health.
During his time on Dancing with the Stars in 2011, Chaz shed a significant amount of weight. The rigorous training served as a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle. Over the years, he continued to make progress, adopting a diet that prioritizes vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits.
Although the weight loss journey hasn’t been without its challenges—such as dealing with excess skin—Chaz remains proud of his accomplishments. “It’s not fun, but it’s worth it,” he said, reflecting on how far he’s come.
Finding Love
View this post on Instagram
Chaz’s personal life has also garnered public interest. In the early 2000s, he was in a long-term relationship with Jennifer Elia, who supported him through his transition. However, the couple ultimately parted ways in 2011.
In 2017, Chaz found love again with Shara Mathes, a former actress and social worker. While the couple keeps their relationship private, they’ve shared glimpses of their happiness on social media. Chaz has expressed deep gratitude for Shara, celebrating their bond as they navigate life together.
An Inspirational Figure
View this post on Instagram
Today, Chaz Bono continues to inspire others through his advocacy and openness about his journey. His courage to embrace his true self has resonated with many, proving that authenticity is worth pursuing, no matter the obstacles.
Cher has often praised her son’s strength, saying, “He did it all on his own. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Chaz’s story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and resilience. It’s a reminder that embracing who you are—despite the challenges—can lead to a life filled with purpose and love.
Please share Chaz Bono’s journey to inspire others who may be on their path to self-discovery.