Cher Defends Son Chaz Bono's Decision to Compete on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Posted on Sep 1st 2011 2:00PM by Contessa Gayles

Cher, Chaz Bono Matt Sayles, AP

Pop-music legend Cher has spoken out in defense of her transgendered son's decision to compete in the upcoming season of 'Dancing With the Stars,' despite cruel criticisms directed at him for being transgendered.

Chaz, 42, Cher's son with ex-husband Sonny Bono, was actually born Chastity Bono, and began a female-to-male transition in 2008. It was announced that he would be a part of 'Dancing With the Stars' new lineup of celebrity contestants earlier this week.

When the followup announcement of which stars would be paired up with which dancing professionals broke, and Chaz was paired with a female dancer, critics who refuse to recognize Chaz's legally-recognized gender transition slammed TV executives' decision.

Now, mama Cher has come to her son's defense and asked her fans to do the same in a series of posts to her Twitter page. "Lovelies! Chaz is Being Viciously Attacked on Blogs & Message boards about being on DWTS! This is Still America right ? It took guts 2 do it," Cher tweeted yesterday (Aug. 31).

"I support him no matter what he chooses 2do! God! will there always be haters! It took COURAGE 2 do dwts ! TG Chaz has an Unlimited supply," she added. "BTW ... Mothers don't stop Getting angry with stupid bigots who fk with their children !" the proud mom tweeted.

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