June 11, 2009

"This announcement by Chaz is nothing short of courageous," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese

WASHINGTON -- In a statement released from his publicist, Chaz Bono, the child of Cher and Sonny Bono, and long-time advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, announced today that he has begun transitioning genders from female to male. Chaz has long been active in the fight for LGBT equality including serving as a national "Coming Out Day"spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. In 1996, Chaz was part of a group of celebrities speaking out during the Presidential campaign encouraging members of the LGBT community and allies to vote with equality in mind. A summary of those activities can be found here: http:// www.hrc.org/issues/3354.htm

"This announcement by Chaz is nothing short of courageous. His decision to be public about his transition speaks to the courage he has in living his life openly and honestly, and will also undoubtedly help foster much-needed dialogue about the lives of transgender Americans and the need for full equality," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "It is our hope that all of us can feel great pride that we live in a country where each one of us has the ability to be true to our own identity. From the time we are born, we are taught that there are girls and there are boys. But like our history, our communities, are rich with people who have blurred, blended or crossed those lines. Chaz is now part of an impressive and remarkable group of Americans who have made our country a better place simply by being true to their selves."

The Human Rights Campaign is committed to educating the public on issues that affect transgender Americans. HRC will continue to work at the local, state and federal level in coalition with transgender organizations and leaders to secure equal protection under the law for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

To read more information about transgender Americans' unique experience and the laws/legislation affecting their lives, please visit: www.hrc.org/transgender .

FROM A GLAAD NEWS RELEASE

June 11, 2009, New York, NY - "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 urges media to use the name and pronoun preferred by the transgender person, in this case, referring to him as Chaz and using male pronouns."