Cher's gender-swap son Chaz Bono is legally a man
Cher's offspring Chaz Bono is officially a man after he changed his name and gender in court today. Bono, who was born a girl named Chastity, is now legally recognised as a male, a year after undergoing a sex change. The 41-year-old, whose father was the late singer and politician Sonny Bono, beamed with happiness as he left Santa Monica courthouse. Couldn't be happier: Chaz Bono leaves Santa Monica court after officially changing his name and gender Before Chaz: Chastity Bono as a female in 1993 Kristina Wertz of the Transgender Law Center, who represented Bono is court, said: 'Chaz couldn't be happier 'This is an important step in his transition and will allow him to change a variety of his identity documents to show who he truly is.' Bono started undergoing gender-reassignment surgery in March 2009 - soon after turning 40. In an interview last year, he said undergoing the surgery was 'the best decision I've ever made'. He said: 'I feel so much more comfortable than I've ever been. 'I've felt male as far back as I can remember. Life is short and life is precious. This is who I am. I need to finally be who I am.' He explained that the entire transition from female to male will take about four to five years. So far, his breasts have been removed and he has received hormone treatments to deepen his voice. And to his delight, he now has to shave his face. Support: Chaz and his live-in girlfriend Jennifer Ella at the GLAAD MEdia Awards last month Bono came out as a lesbian at age 18, when he was studying at New York University. While Sonny - who died in a skiing accident in 1998 - was more accepting, Cher reacted badly. Cher has admitted: 'I flipped out. I'd always had this idea that she would get married and have a family.' Distraught by his mother's reaction, Chaz abandoned his studies to attempt a rock career. Chaz's sexuality was announced to the world in an American newspaper in 1990. Five years later he appeared on the front cover of gay magazine The Advocate, describing himself as 'out at last', and became a vocal advocate of gay and transgendered rights. Chaz lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend of four years, Jennifer Ella. Understanding: Cher, pictured with Bono two years, was initially upset at her 'daughter's' sexuality, but grew to accept it
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