Chaz Bono: American writer, actor and LGBTQ+ advocate

Chaz Bono (born Chastity Bono, 1969) is an American writer, actor and advocate. Son of Sonny and Cher, he publicly transitioned from female to male and has been active in media, writing and LGBT advocacy.

Chaz Salvatore Bono (born Chastity Sun Bono; March 4, 1969) is an American writer, actor and advocate who has been a prominent public figure in discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity. The child of entertainers Sonny Bono and Cher, Bono grew up in the public eye and later became a visible representative of transgender and LGBT experiences in the media.

Early life and identity

Bono spent much of his childhood and youth in the spotlight due to his parents' careers. In the 1990s he spoke publicly about his sexual orientation and in a 1995 interview identified as a lesbian. Over time his understanding of his own gender evolved; beginning in 2008 he began a gender transition from female to male and adopted the name Chaz Salvatore Bono.

Career, writing and media work

Beyond his family connections, Bono has worked as a writer and commentator, contributing to public conversations about identity, family and the challenges faced by LGBT people. He has appeared in interviews, documentaries and news programs and has written about his life and experiences in memoir-style pieces. His public storytelling has been used in educational and advocacy contexts to explain aspects of social transition and to increase visibility for transgender people.

Advocacy and public roles

Bono has been associated with organizations that promote fair representation and rights for LGBT people; he has served as a spokesperson for advocacy groups and has appeared at events and in campaigns addressing discrimination, health and media portrayal. He has often emphasized the importance of personal narratives in reducing stigma and promoting understanding.

Television and documentary

In 2011 Bono took part as a contestant on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, an appearance that generated widespread attention and discussion about transgender people in mainstream entertainment. His journey was also documented in the film Becoming Chaz, which premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and later aired on television, bringing his experience as a transgender man to a broader audience.

Reception and legacy

Responses to Bono's visibility have been mixed: many supporters have praised his willingness to share personal experience for educational purposes, while others have debated the media focus on individual transitions. Over time his public work—through interviews, documentary film and writing—has contributed to broader awareness of transgender lives and to conversations about rights, healthcare and social acceptance.