Chaz Bono's groundbreaking and candid account of a forty-year struggle to match his gender identity with his physical body and his transformation from female to maleAt first, America knew the only child of Sonny and Cher as Chastity, the cherubic little girl who appeared on her parents' TV show. In later years, she became famous for coming out on a national stage, working with two major organizations toward LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights and publishing two books. And just within the past eighteen months, Chaz Bono has entered the public consciousness as the most high-profile transgender person ever.All through the hoopla surrounding his change, Chaz has insisted on maintaining his privacy. Now, in Transition, Chaz finally tells his story. Part One traces his decision to transition, beginning in his childhood-when he played on the boys' teams and wore boys' clothing whenever possible-and going through his painful, but ultimately joyful, coming out in his twenties, up to 2008, when, after the death of his father, drug addiction, and five years of sobriety, Chaz was finally ready to begin the process of changing his gender. In Part Two, he offers an unprecedented record in words and photographs of the actual transition, a real-time diary as he navigates uncharted waters. These chapters capture the day-to-day momentum of his life as his body changes.Throughout the book, Chaz touches on themes of identity, gender, and sexuality; parents and children; and how harboring secrets shatters the soul. It is an amazing contribution to our understanding of a much- misunderstood community.
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"Really good description of what it means to be transgender in today's world. I found this book enlightening. I think it stands a really good chance of helping those of us who aren't transgender become more knowledgable about and supportive of those who are. "
— Laura (4 out of 5 stars)
" Ugh, what ignorant people. Chaz is trans, which mean HE was never a she. Even if this book was written about the past. And Heather, fuck off. Thanks. "
— L., 5/24/2013" The biography of Chaz Bono and his transformation was enlighting. The trans part of LGBT is something that most of us don't fully understand. But with people like Chaz Bono, the trans community will have their spotlight. "
— Bradley, 6/23/2011" Made everything thing that happened in her life an example as why she was really a he, including video games. If everyone used that logic, we'd all be transgendered. "
— Heather, 6/13/2011" This was a really interesting book. I plan to read somemore of his/hers. I say it that way because the books before this one Chaz was still a she. "
— Akrcurran, 6/12/2011" Fascinating story. What a brave man. "
— Mardi, 6/6/2011" An honest & straightforward account. However, it lacks warmth or depth. Despite the personal nature of this book, I did not feel moved or engaged on an emotional level. The writing style is unsophisticated & even glib at times. Are our appetites being whetted for a more-indepth sequel? "
— Julie, 5/20/2011