Chaz Bono debuted his new look this morning -- and said since he started transitioning from female to male, "Life is just great now."
Cher and Sonny Bono's daughter-turned-son was on "GMA," where he called his sex change "the best decision I've ever made" because he's now "living the life I've always wanted to live."
Chaz is now only eight months into a years-long process.
Filed under: Chastity Bono
Coming soon to a New York Times Bestseller list near you -- the memoir of Chaz Bono.
TMZ has learned Bono sold the rights to a book chronicling his decision to transition from a female to a male. According to a publishing source, Bono signed "a handsome, six-figure deal."
The book, tentatively titled "Coming Clean," will be published by Dutton sometime in Spring 2011.
Filed under: Chastity Bono, Exclusives
Chaz Bono and his hot GF hit up opening night at the Outfest film festival in L.A. last night -- where he seemed genuinely happy about all the transitions.
Filed under: Chastity Bono
Chaz Bono leaned out his window yesterday to wave to neighbors while his little pup looked on. 
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Critters, Chastity Bono
Cher has made her first statement regarding her daughter's decision to become a man.
She tells PEOPLE: "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 ... The one thing that will never change is my abiding love for my child."
As TMZ first reported, Cher has known about Chaz's decision for a year.
Filed under: Chastity Bono
First pics and video of Chaz Bono and girlfriend Jennifer Elia, out and about in L.A. yesterday.
See AlsoFiled under: Paparazzi Photo, Photo Galleries, Chastity Bono
First pic of Chaz Bono's girlfriend, Jennifer. People who know her say it's not a great pic. Nonetheless, here she is -- yesterday.
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Chastity Bono
We know a lot more about Chaz Bono's decision to become a man, and there's one thing he wishes he did differently -- that he had done it sooner.
We broke the story on Thursday -- that Chaz was changing genders. Now we know a lot more.
-- His partner of several years is totally cool about the change, and both of them say it will not alter their relationship. By the way, the partner -- Jennifer -- is hot. She has dark hair, she's around a size 2, and on and on.
-- The process has been going on for a while now. Chaz is taking hormones. As for when he's having the breasts removed -- no date has been set. That operation typically is the marker when judges allow someone to legally change sexes.
-- Cher has known about this for a year.
-- Chaz underwent a tremendous amount of psychological counseling before beginning the physical process of transitioning.
-- Chaz has considered himself a man for as long as he remembers.
-- As for wardrobe, we're told Chaz doesn't think a lot will change because he's been wearing mens clothing for a long time.
Filed under: Chastity Bono
Chaz Bono can do something as a man which she could never do as a woman in California -- marry her partner.
At a point during the gender change -- typically when breasts are removed -- the subject can go to court and ask a judge to legally change his/her sex. It's discretionary on the part of the judge in determining when the person switches sex and is entitled to a legal change, but typically it's when the breasts are removed.
Judges typically do not require a genitalia switch as a prerequisite to a sex change.
Chaz has been in a committed relationship for several years. Therefore, what Chaz could never do now -- marry his partner -- he can do when the law acknowledges he is indeed a he.
Exact same person -- totally different result. Go figure.
Filed under: Chastity Bono
Chastity Bono, civil rights advocate, journalist, author and musician, is in the early stages of changing his gender -- transitioning from female to male, TMZ has learned.
Bono, the child of legendary entertainers Sonny and Cher, began the process earlier this year, shortly after his 40th birthday.
"Yes, it's true -- Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity," confirmed Bono's publicist, Howard Bragman.
"He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his 'coming out' did nearly 20 years ago.
We ask that the media respect Chaz's privacy during this long process as he will not be doing any interviews at this time."
Filed under: Chastity Bono
Sonny Bono's widow -- Congresswoman Mary Bono -- tells TMZ she's behind Chastity Bono all the way.
Mary Bono, who followed in her late husband's Republican footsteps, says she "loves and supports Chaz."
Bono, who didn't take a stand on California's Prop 8 anti-gay marriage initiative, "is hopeful that his privacy and very personal decisions will be respected during this time."
Filed under: Chastity Bono
A lot is involved in the sex reassignment process. Here's the lowdown, according to Dr. Gary Alter from "Dr. 90210" -- he's an expert. Here's what Chastity Bono is going through right now.
-- First step ... A psychiatrist evaluates the patient. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes male hormones.
-- The hormones change the body makeup, which includes hair growth. The clitoris also grows larger.
-- Removal of breasts. Dr. Alter said most states will recognize the person as a male once this occurs. A hysterectomy can also be performed during this process.
-- Dr. Alter said the decision about changing the genitalia can take several years, while the patient is taking hormones. Dr. Alter says most people stop at this point.
-- Dr. Alter says if the patient goes forward, the surgeon often makes a small penis out of the clitoris and a scrotum by joining both labia majors. Testicle implants can then be inserted. The most sophisticated option is microsurgery in which skin, arteries and nerves are taken from the forearm and made into a phallus.
As for cost, Dr. Alter said it's all over the place, depending on how far the person wants to go. We've spoken to people who have had it done, and they say the full deal costs more than $100,000.
Filed under: Chastity Bono
TMZ just got this statement from Neil G. Giuliano, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD):
"Chaz Bono's decision to live his life authentically represents an important step forward, both for him personally and for all who are committed to advancing discussions about fairness and equality for transgender people," said Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "Coming out as transgender is an extremely personal decision and one that is never made lightly. We look forward to hearing Chaz's story in his own words in the future."
"GLAAD encourages media outlets to cover this story accurately, and to avoid speculation about the details of Chaz's story before he is ready to tell it in his own words."
"The GLAAD Media Reference Guide and the Associated Press Stylebook call on media to use the name and pronoun preferred by the transgender person - in this case, referring to him as Chaz and using male pronouns."
Filed under: Chastity Bono
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