Becoming Chaz

Chaz Bono was a male trapped in a female shell for as long as he can remember. Growing up as Sonny and Cher’s adorable golden-haired daughter in a body he felt wasn’t his own was a crucible it took years to transcend. Now, as he undertakes gender reassignment, he’s bravely decided to share the process on camera.

Becoming Chaz invites us along on Chaz’s remarkable journey of transformation. As hormone shots give way to top surgery, down-to-earth, unflappable Chaz beams with a sense of liberation and goes public with his story to put a face on a misunderstood issue. Meanwhile, his gregarious girlfriend grapples with the realities of suddenly living with a man, and it’s clear sex change isn’t solely a physical transition.

Intimate and nakedly honest, the film reveals the humanity and courage it takes for Chaz to ultimately embrace his true self. His moving struggle will reverberate profoundly for anyone to whom authenticity matters.


Rudy Bleu


Michael Roha

OWN Jennifer Elia Chaz Bono Being Chaz Becoming Chaz OWN Jennifer Elia Chaz Bono Being Chaz Becoming Chaz This Sunday you’ll be able to get a double dose of Chaz. OWN will be re-airing the Emmy nominated documentary Becoming Chaz, and following it up with the premiere of the brand new special, Being Chaz.

Being picks up where Becoming left off, as Chaz and Jen work through their ever-evolving relationship, dealing with the media exposure from the original documentary and the threats against Chaz when his participation in Dancing with the Stars was announced.

“Doing the documentary was an intense experience and one that ultimately bonded us,” said the show’s co-executive producer, Elise Duran (Finding Sarah & Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys Season 1). “Chaz and Jen are wonderful people and I know everyone will fall in love with them as I have.”

Also of note, Becoming Chaz will see its DVD release on Tuesday, and word has it that the next issue of Entertainment Weekly has it listed at Number Two on its Must List. Christmas shopping just got easier this year!


Rudy Bleu

The Return of Chaz

OWN Chaz Bono Chaz may be off Dancing With The Stars but he will be returning to the television screen very soon. OWN will be airing Being Chaz, “the anticipated follow-up special to the 2011 Emmy Award nominated OWN Documentary Club film Becoming Chaz. Being Chaz chronicles Chaz Bono and his girlfriend Jennifer Elia as they navigate their lives together post Chaz’s gender transformation surgery.” Being Chaz will air November 27 at 8/9PM ET/PT.


Stephen Saban

TMZ is reporting that ABC has hired extra security on Dancing With the Stars now that Chaz Bono is a somewhat controversial contestant. Although there has been no specific incident to cause concern, there have been some unpleasant remarks about him on the ABC message boards, and the network suits feel there are “crazies” in the world who might not feel as partial to the wowlebrity as we do. Bono will be protected both on and off the set. Last year, you’ll remember, there was an anthrax scare during Bristol Palin’s residence on the show. (Photo: ABC)