In Defense of Chaz Bono and “Dancing with the Stars (DWTS)”

I have never watched “Dancing with the Stars”. After all, three minutes of dancing followed by ten minutes of commentary just isn’t my thing.

But I might watch some of it this year thanks to the crazies on the far right.

Before you get the wrong idea of me, understand I’m what my more liberal friends refer to as a ‘right’ thinker. I tend to be more conservative than otherwise. Being a ‘rightie’ means I embrace the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the fundamental intentions of our Founding Fathers.

The last time I checked, individuals freedoms are outlined somewhere in those documents.

For those of you living under a rock, DWTS is a hit reality show on ABC which pairs professional dancers and celebrity novices. They compete weekly and are professionally judged on their abilities. Viewers have the opportunity to vote as well. Chaz Bono is a 42-year old transgender (female to male) and a rights advocate. He is also the only child of Cher and Sonny Bono. He is the co-author of the book Transition: The Story of How I Became a Man. Recently, ABC announced that Bono would be competing on this season’s DWTS. It marks the first time a transgender individual would compete on the show.

Let me be clear on this issue – if one of my children came to me and expressed interest in choosing to become transgender I would attempt to talk them out of it. No question about it. I can only imagine the physical and emotional pain that entails such a decision. Then there is the anger and hatred directed to transgender couples. But Cher has it right. “Mothers don’t stop getting angry with stupid bigots who (mess) with their children,” she recently Tweeted.

I am married to a beautiful woman. I have two wonderful children. But, yes, my heart breaks for Cher. The cruelty and misunderstanding she must endure can only be imagined by most. She is a mother.

However the crazies on the right (and there are just as many of you on the far left!) are taking shots at Bono’s expense on the DTWS message board. It seems the extremists understand mainstream America better than the people at ABC and are troubled deeply in their faith by such an ‘outrageous’ occurrence. How they have to be exposed to the likes of Chaz Bono.

First off, relax folks – it’s a TV show. ABC and DWTS have every right to have Chaz Bono or whoever they feel will help ratings as part of the competition. Secondly, as a Constitutionalist I believe in freedom of the people. That freedom includes issue rights for the LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender) population. It doesn’t mean everyone has to agree, however, posting anti-transgender sentiment in a spiteful manner is cowardly and wrong by any standards.

There is also one other belief I hold close to my heart:

It is contained in Matthew 7:3. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

Somehow ALL the crazies on both sides develop memory loss of this passage when it comes to gossip, criticism, and posting bigotry on the internet.

As for DWTS, the new season premiers on Sept 19.

And, yes – I will be rooting for Chaz Bono.


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