I Got You, Transphobia: On Chaz Bono and Societal Acceptance of Trans People

It was announced today that Chaz Bono, formerly Chastity, the progeny of Sonny and Cher musical group, petitioned a judge to legally recognize the name and sex change.

Bono made headlines when earlier announcing his intention to change from his birth sex of female to identified gender of male. Calling it “the best decision I ever made,” the subsequent comments on the news story have made it clear that ignorance and even phobias about transgendered persons are, indeed, alive and well.

The comments vary from calling Chaz a “He/she” to describing precisely why Chaz will never be accepted as a man. Here we are, as a society, trying to define someone’s gender for them, despite what they have already articulated as their self-imposed identity.

I remember hearing about Chaz’s decision to embrace his actually identity and thinking that to have such a public figure might finally signal a marrying of the gay and trans community. After all, Chaz rose to public prominence not only as the offspring of one of music’s most successful duos, but as a vocal advocate for gay rights. It’s been no secret that as much as the gay and trans communities have struggled for recognition and equality among more traditionally accepted groups (you know, white heterosexuals without gender identity questions) they have likewise struggled to find acceptance with each other.

But, if these comments are evident of anything, it’s that the trans movement still lacks legitimacy from the mainstream public. Most individuals understand that “fag” is intended to slur, but few realize “he/she” carries its own ignorant stigma.

It makes me frustrated that despite the increasing visibility of the trans movement, people can still be so ignorant as to assume the way you’re born is who you are. Not for everybody, and probably not for most. Just as the religion or hair color we’re born into may not accurately reflect who we are, neither does gender. Gender isn’t a fluid concept but a unique experience for each person. 

My only hope is that by the time Chaz celebrates his next birthday, we’ll have a more positive response from not only the mainstream public who watched this very personal unfolding of identity, but an acceptance from the same lesbian colleagues of whom Chaz was once considered a peer.