Chaz Bono, the child of pop icon Cher and the late Sonny Bono, was born as Chastity Bono, a girl who would later embark on a profound journey of self-discovery. Initially coming out as a lesbian, Chaz eventually realized that his true identity was as a man.
This realization led him to transition, legally changing his name and gender. Today, Chaz is happily married, with his family, including Cher and her mother, Georgia Holt, warmly embracing his partner into their lives.
Cher and Sonny: A Complicated Marriage
Cher’s marriage to Sonny Bono was fraught with challenges, characterized by Sonny’s controlling nature. He dictated much of Cher’s life, leaving her feeling isolated and without personal freedom. This dynamic extended into their professional relationship, where Cher often felt like a mere follower, executing Sonny’s instructions without input.
The imbalance in their relationship created a sense of suffocation for Cher, ultimately leading to their separation. Cher’s difficulties during this period were compounded by several miscarriages before Chaz was born, which doctors attributed to a condition that caused her uterus to contract and abort the fetus. Despite these challenges, Chaz’s birth was a momentous occasion for Cher, bringing new meaning to her life and her marriage with Sonny.
Cher’s Struggles with Motherhood
Being a mother was not an easy journey for Cher. Although she loved her children, her demanding career often kept her away, leading to a life of constant travel and change for them. Cher later admitted that she wasn’t always the best mother, acknowledging that her children needed stability, which was hard to provide given her career.
As they grew older, she realized the importance of spending more time with them, and she has since tried to make up for the lost time. Cher’s relationship with Chaz was further tested when he decided to transition from female to male. Initially, Cher struggled to accept Chaz’s decision, grappling with feelings of loss as she adjusted to this new reality. However, over time, Cher came to fully support Chaz, recognizing his happiness and self-acceptance as paramount.
Family’s Acceptance of Chaz’s Transition
Chaz’s decision to transition was met with mixed reactions within his family. While Cher eventually came to terms with it, other family members, like Cher’s sister Georganne, initially struggled with the news. Chaz and Georganne shared a deep bond, making it particularly difficult for her to comprehend his decision.
However, after watching the documentary “Becoming Chaz,” Georganne’s apprehensions were replaced with acceptance. She realized that the essence of the person she knew and loved remained unchanged. Georganne later acknowledged that while she is not a parent, she understood the complexity of the situation from a mother’s perspective, appreciating Chaz’s empathy towards Cher.
Chaz’s Quest for Love and Family Support
While Chaz found fulfillment in his gender transition, his quest for love proved more challenging. After his previous relationship ended in 2011, Chaz feared he might spend his life alone. However, in the spring of 2017, he met Shara Blue Mathes, a former child actress, and their relationship quickly blossomed. Despite initial reservations, Mathes found common ground with Chaz, particularly in their shared experiences of growing up in the entertainment industry and overcoming personal struggles.
Cher and her mother, Georgia Holt, welcomed Mathes into the family with open arms, even inviting her to join family celebrations. Chaz and Mathes’ relationship deepened over time, with Mathes sharing cherished moments with Cher and expressing gratitude for the support she received during her battle with cancer. Their love and the family’s acceptance highlight the strength of their bond, showing that love and understanding can overcome even the most challenging situations.
