Early Life and Education

Chaz's name, Chastity, was inspired by the 1969 film Chastity, produced by his father and starring his mother, Cher, as a bisexual woman. Growing up in the public eye, Chaz was introduced to show business at a young age, often appearing on television alongside his parents. He briefly studied law at New York University before pursuing other creative and advocacy-driven paths.

Coming Out and LGBTQ+ Advocacy

At the age of 18, Chaz publicly came out as a lesbian, a process he has candidly explored in his writings and public appearances. In the early 1990s, he formed a band with his then-girlfriend and signed with a major record label. In 1995, Chaz became involved in LGBTQ+ activism, working closely with the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

Gender Transition and Public Awareness

Chaz began the process of transitioning from female to male in 2008. His journey was documented in the 2011 film Becoming Chaz, which provided an intimate look at his physical and emotional transformation over a 16-month period. In 2010, he legally changed his gender and name, gaining widespread attention and sparking discussions about transgender rights and visibility.

Dancing with the Stars and Health Transformation

In 2011, Chaz competed on Season 13 of Dancing with the Stars, becoming the first openly transgender man to appear on the show. Around the same time, his dramatic weight loss made headlines. Previously weighing over 280 pounds (approximately 127 kg), he lost nearly 85 pounds (about 39 kg), reaching a healthier weight through a combination of lifestyle changes and exercise. “I really feel very satisfied and comfortable with the way I eat now, which is amazing, and for me, kind of a miracle,” he said in an interview. He later returned in a guest appearance on the show.