Chaz Bono’s life has been filled with challenges, resilience, and a powerful journey of self-discovery. As the child of world-famous entertainer Cher, Chaz grew up in the spotlight, where privacy was a luxury he never truly had. While many might assume his celebrity background made life easier, Chaz’s reality was far more complex. His path, especially in coming to terms with his identity, stands as one of the most inspirational stories of transformation and courage in recent times.
Chaz was born on March 4, 1969, to Cher and Sonny Bono and was originally named Chastity Bono, a name inspired by a film Sonny produced. As a child, he became a familiar face on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, often appearing at the end of the show when his parents sang “I Got You Babe.” Despite his fame, Chaz struggled internally. He often felt disconnected from girls his age and couldn’t relate to their interests. In his book Family Outing, he explained how, even at a young age, he felt different, saying he was confused by the other girls’ fascination with fashion and boys.
At 18, Chaz came out as a lesbian to his parents, a move that wasn’t easy. While Cher is now celebrated as an icon in the LGBTQ+ community, she initially had a hard time processing her child’s coming out. Chaz recalled that his mother “went ballistic” when he first told her. Over time, however, Cher’s support grew stronger, and she began to understand and embrace her child’s truth more fully.
In 2008, Chaz took a monumental step and began his transition from female to male. Two years later, in 2010, a California court approved his legal name and gender change. His journey was documented in Becoming Chaz, a film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and aired on Oprah Winfrey’s network in 2011. The documentary gave audiences a raw and intimate view of Chaz’s transition, shedding light on the emotional and physical changes he experienced.
Chaz explained that during the early stages of his transition, his relationship with his mother became strained. They didn’t speak for nearly a year as Cher processed what was happening. But as time passed, Cher came to see that while her child had changed on the outside, his core identity remained the same. She recalled once hearing his old voicemail message and feeling a mix of emotions, but eventually accepted that she wasn’t losing her child—just seeing him in a new form.
Over the years, Chaz has become a visible and powerful voice for the transgender community. In 2011, he made history as the first transgender man to compete on Dancing with the Stars, a groundbreaking moment that allowed him to be seen not just for his gender identity but for his talent and determination. That same year, he took on new acting roles, including a stint on American Horror Story: Roanoke and later on The Bold and the Beautiful.
Beyond his public transition, Chaz faced another deeply personal challenge: his health. For years, he battled obesity and felt disconnected from his body. The weight of dysphoria made it hard for him to care about his health. But once he began transitioning, something shifted. He began to embrace a healthier lifestyle, starting with his appearance on Dancing with the Stars, where he initially weighed 250 pounds. The intense physical training kickstarted his weight loss journey.
Chaz continued improving his health long after the show ended. He adopted a new diet, cutting out almost all grains and focusing on vegetables, meat, fruit, and nuts. While the weight loss helped him feel better physically and emotionally, it wasn’t without complications. Chaz developed sagging excess skin, a common result of rapid weight loss. Despite the discomfort, he found it a worthy trade-off for his improved health and self-image.
Cher, always outspoken, publicly praised her son’s commitment and bravery. In a 2013 interview, she said, “He did it all by himself. He made up his own mind and he did it. And it was like what—85, 90 pounds. Wow! … I do not know if I’d have that courage.”
Chaz’s personal life has also drawn attention over the years. He once dated Jennifer Elia, a relationship that lasted over a decade. Elia supported Chaz throughout his transition and even stated she found him more attractive after his gender reassignment. Despite their connection, the couple faced difficult times. Elia admitted to turning to alcohol again when Chaz made the decision to undergo gender reassignment. They eventually called off their engagement in 2011 but ended their relationship with mutual respect and affection.
In 2017, Chaz began a new chapter with his partner, Shara Mathes. Shara, a former child actress turned social worker, left Hollywood years ago and now works with Housing Works, a nonprofit that aids the homeless in Los Angeles. The couple reportedly met through mutual friends and have kept their relationship mostly private. What is known, however, is that Shara was welcomed warmly into Chaz’s family. Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, even invited Shara to her 91st birthday celebration, showing that she had been embraced as part of the family.
Chaz and Shara celebrated their sixth anniversary in January 2023. Chaz marked the occasion with a heartfelt post, expressing his gratitude for sharing his life with such an incredible woman. While they now keep a low profile on social media, their quiet commitment speaks volumes.
Chaz Bono’s journey is one of authenticity, courage, and growth. From struggling with identity to embracing it fully, he has never wavered in following his heart. His story continues to inspire countless others who may be navigating their own path. Chaz proves that transformation isn’t just about changing your body—it’s about becoming who you truly are, and having the courage to live it out loud.
