The following article mentions transphobia, addiction, and eating disorders.
As a trans man, that intrusion into his life only became more pronounced as he got older.
“I was worried about being followed by the tabloids again,” he toldABC Newsin 2011.
Subsequently, he has decided to reclaim this publicity, using his high-profile platform to help others.
But behind his affable and positive persona, Chaz has also led a tragic life.
“I didn’t like what was reflected in the mirror, it wasn’t me.
It wasn’t how I saw myself.
So, there was a huge disconnect with myself physically.
Now, it’s about being able to pursue the life I always wanted to have.”
These are the tragic details about Cher’s son, Chaz Bono.
But the relationship between father and son soon fell apart.
“Sonny was a great parent for a young child even like 12, 13.
But the moment you had ideas that were contrary, he was not quite as interested.”
As a Republican congressman, Sonny voted against marriage equality, leading to a rift with his son.
“I took it very personally,” Chaz told The Advocate (viaCBS News) in 1998.
“It put a tremendous amount of distance between us.”
At the time of Sonny’s death in 1998, he and his son weren’t on speaking terms.
Accordingly, Chaz was left grieving for both his dad and the absence of a reconciliation before his passing.
His parents presented him as female, which made him feel incredibly uncomfortable.
And I was at a school that just wasn’t appropriate for my needs.
It was just very straight, strict academic school."
Considering the prejudice he faced within his own family, Bono felt far from ready to come out.
This made the public outing all the more hurtful.
Suddenly, he saw his face all over tabloids, something he found traumatic.
“It was the most difficult thing that had happened to me,” he toldVanity Fairin 1998.
“I have since dealt with things that have been more difficult.
I think any gay person knows what it feels like.
you could imagine what it’s like when the whole world finds out before you’re ready.
It was very overwhelming.”
“It was extremely hard on Chaz,” Mary, Sonny’s widow, told theReno Gazette Journal.
“You’ve probably read that Chaz and Sonny were estranged at the time over politics.
That’s the lesson everyone needs to heed, this not-to-speak-to-each-other over a silly difference.
I think it’s much harder on Chaz because of that.”
In 2015, Chaz was able to channel his sorrow through his work.
But Stephens didn’t recover and in 1994 died of the disease.
Her death, though devastating, ultimately inspired Bono to come out.
“There were so many things Joan and I didn’t do,” he toldEntertainment Weekly.
“I didn’t want to live feeling so bad about a part of myself anymore.”
Famed for herdaring outfits and unapologetically authentic persona, Cherhas long been a queer icon.
ButCher revealed it wasn’t easy to accept Chaz Bono at first.
“That was difficult for me,” she said.
“It shouldn’t have been because, you know, I’ve had gay friends forever.
I just met some beautiful trans chicks and we have an affinity.
Now I’m totally fine.
But it’s hard to lose one child to get a new one, especially so late.”
Mother and son went to counseling together, but things got progressively worse between them.
But some sought to put a damper on his trans joy.
The story, entitled “Chaz Bono: Only 4 Years to Live!
Accordingly, his legal team issued a cease and desist.
“He is not a physician and has no specialty in transgender health issues,” said LaPolt.
Bono confirmed to bloggerCher Newsthat the story was false.
During this period, Elia was struggling with substance use and stopped sharing a bed with Bono.
They had been together for six years.
“Chaz has been living in the guest house for some time now,” the friend said.
Cher was allegedly devastated by her son’s snub .
“My father was a heroin addict, and my sister’s father was an alcoholic.
But it jumped us.”
In an interview withTime, Bono said that a desire to come out propelled him to get sober.
After entering substance-use recovery in 2004, Bono decided to take the next step toward prioritizing his wellbeing.
The star has also lived with an eating disorder.
These body image issues had always been dormant, however.
Seeking the help of a specialist, Bono was able to address his underlying issues with food.
Chaz Bono has faced transphobia
From a young age, Chaz Bono battled internalized transphobia.
In time, Bono embraced his authentic self, but he found that other people weren’t so accepting.
That year, Chelsea Handler was criticized for making a series of offensive, transphobic jokes about Bono.
But Bono is determined to counter prejudice wherever he sees it.
“The moment Elijah gets in trouble, he runs to Chaz.
He just hightails his a** right there,” Cher told Vanity Fair in 2010.
At some point, however, the siblings' relationship appeared to sour.
Cher dropped her conservatorship bid in September 2024.
The VictimConnect Hotline by phone at 1-855-4-VICTIM orby chatfor more information or assistance in locating services to help.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
