Trans activist/celebrity offspring Chaz Bono was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars last night, but his positive attitude and thousands of fans scored an incredible victory for trans visibility.
When the roster for this season was announced, anti-LGBT forces immediately started grumbling about “the children,” that amorphous demographic that has apparently been living in a dark cave where they know nothing about the larger world.
But once the show started and America saw how hard Bono was working to earn his spot—and learned of his difficult path to self-acceptance—the haters quieted down (or were silenced) and the competition began in earnest.
Despite some injuries, Chaz surprised the judges and audience with his dedication and enthusiasm. (We thought his cha-cha was pretty darn good for a white boy.)
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Said GLAAD‘s acting president, Mike Thompson:
“Chaz bravely put on his dancing shoes and became a fan favorite, showing millions of viewers that he’s like any other guy.
Though it’s sad to see him go, Chaz has helped countless people better understand what it means to be transgender. He should be commended for both his courage and determination. We hope Chaz’s time on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is just the beginning in a long line of transgender-inclusive programming across the media.”
Or as Chaz’s mama, Cher, put it via Twitter:
“I Have Got 2hold my temper. MY tears R OK! Congratulations Chaz I’m so PROUD OF U! This was YOUR quest… & u Followed Your Star!”
You just know she has some cocoa and s’mores waiting for him at home.
Image via ABC
Spike
Why are we looking to this brainless form of entertainment, reality TV that is, to validate the LGBT community?
And when did dancing on TV become the litmus test for the accomplishment of anything significant?
As far as the str8t community is concerned, Chaz is a freak who participated in the freak show otherwise known as DTWS.
Mike
He lasted three weeks too long in the competition. It was the fanbase that kept him on — quite wrongly in my opinion. It was like a rehash of Bristol Palin all over again. I’m just glad he didn’t make the final 3 like she did.
alicia
kudos cb!
Ad man
He was awful and made worse by accusing judges of being biased.
Zack
@Spike: you must be fun to hang out with
tallest
This is… this… is… this is… Boooooring!
And no, he is not still a winner. He lost, making him a loser. Why do we have to tell people who lost that they are winners? It’s silly.
Also, blegh, DWTS
Riker
Is it just me, or does Chaz look a lot like Rosie O’Donnell would look if she cut the hair on her head and put it on her chin?
Nothing against Chaz, his performance was honestly much better than I expected for an obese white guy, but I just noticed the resemblance.
Mav
Twitter’s 160 character limit makes everyone look like an illiterate moron, even Cher.
I’m trans and I don’t look for validation from reality television. Chaz Bono is just another dude to me, and not really that interesting in and of himself. Another ex-child celebrity famous for nothing.
Hope he got something out of competing though, since he honestly put in a ton of hard work to get there.