Becoming Chaz Bono Documentary

Oprah Winfrey’s OWN aired the powerful documentary Becoming Chaz tonight, which focused on Chaz Bono, born Chastity to Cher and Sonny Bono, and his struggle to transition from female to male. It was a personal and, at times, difficult film to watch (I’m a little squeamish when it comes to surgical stuff). The cameras did not shy away from showing the various surgeries that Chaz endured or the difficult recovery process. Nor did they ignore the stress Chaz’s transition placed upon him and his girlfriend. The one thing I did find odd was Cher’s lack of presence aside from a taped interview and a brief moment between the pair at the premiere of Burlesque.

But it was still such a riveting film, particularly when it came to showing Chaz’ advocacy for young children who feel trapped in the wrong bodies. The section of the doc where Chaz visited a young girl who felt she was a boy was simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful. It will most likely be a challenging adolescence for the youngster but it’s great that she has someone like Chaz as a support system.

“I’ve hated my body since puberty,” Chaz admits early on in the film. So, it’s incredibly moving to watch him finally become comfortable in his own skin.

What did you think of Becoming Chaz, PopWatchers?