Chaz Bono Comes Out as Transgender
June 11, 2009
Chaz Bono (formerly Chastity Bono), the child of singers Sonny and Cher and former Director of Entertainment Media at GLAAD, announced today that he has made the decision to transition from female to male.
Chaz Bono
TMZ broke the news earlier today with a statement released through publicist Howard Bragman:
“He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz’s hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his ‘coming out’ did nearly 20 years ago.
We ask that the media respect Chaz’s privacy during this long process as he will not be doing any interviews at this time.”
Following the news, GLAAD President Neil Giuliano released this statement:
“Chaz Bono’s decision to live his life authentically represents an important step forward, both for him personally and for all who are committed to advancing discussions about fairness and equality for transgender people,” said Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “Coming out as transgender is an extremely personal decision and one that is never made lightly. We look forward to hearing Chaz’s story in his own words in the future.”
“GLAAD encourages media outlets to cover this story accurately, and to avoid speculation about the details of Chaz’s story before he is ready to share them.”
Adam Lambert Comes Out in Rolling Stone
June 9, 2009
As has been rumored for the past couple weeks, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert graces the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Stone and puts to rest rampant speculation about his sexual orientation.
Adam Lambert bares all
From rollingstone.com:
“I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay,” Lambert says in the new issue of Rolling Stone, hitting newsstands this week. “I’m proud of my sexuality,” Lambert adds. “I embrace it. It’s just another part of me.”
In the cover story, Lambert also reveals why he didn’t come out on the show, as well as a secret crush on roommate and American Idol winner Kris Allen.
Despite speculation of a rivalry, Allen and Lambert have become close friends. Today, Allen revealed himself to be a strong ally, expressing his support for Lambert and his boyfriend, Drake LaBry.
From people.com:
“I think he’s happier that he can be himself and it’s nice,” Allen says of Lambert, 27, stepping out with his friend Drake LaBry. “Adam is who he is and he’s not afraid. I support him in whatever he does.” Allen calls Lambert and LaBry’s friendship a “cool combination,” because they’re so different. “Drake’s from Louisiana and Adam is from L.A.,” he says. “But they click well and they’re really nice together.”
What rivalry?
Earlier today, GLAAD President Neil Giuliano released the following statement:
“As more and more Americans get to know gay and lesbian people, it has a tremendous impact in terms of creating awareness, understanding and acceptance of our community,” said Neil. G. Giuliano, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “American Idol has become iconic in our culture, and as Adam continues to share his story during his post-Idol career, we hope his decision to live openly and honestly inspires gay people and opens the hearts and minds of his fans and others he will continue to entertain.”
It was also reported today that Lambert has signed with 19 Recordings and that his debut album will be released in the fall through RCA Records. In the meantime, you can catch all of the Idols when the American Idol Summer Tour kicks off in July!
GLAAD Meets With NBC News President Steve Capus and Team of Producers
June 4, 2009
On June 1, GLAAD sat down with NBC News President Steve Capus and a large pool of NBC News producers for a 90-minute editorial board meeting on LGBT news coverage. I, along with Human Rights Campaign President, Joe Solmonese, and Gay Men’s Health Crisis Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Marjorie Hill, offered an in-depth analysis of how the mainstream national media is covering LGBT issues and advice about how to make the coverage more fair, accurate and inclusive.
HRC President, Joe Solmonese, GLAAD President, Neil Giuliano, NBC News President Steve Capus and GMHC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Marjorie Hill
High-level producers from across NBC News platforms attended the gathering and contributed to a robust dialogue about how to work together to ensure that LGBT issues are covered in the most responsible and least sensational way.
After the meeting a Today Show producer sent GLAAD, HRC and GMHC a note of appreciation:
I cannot thank you enough for your time and candid remarks at today’s editorial board meeting. Our executives, producers and reporters were very impressed with our distinguished panel and the fruitful discussion of the issues.
GLAAD is already busy at work providing resources for a MSNBC story about the significance of the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall.
