Chaz on DWTS
 

Exposure is good in itself.

Exposure in the media of the full spectrum of gay folk has been instrumental in reforming the opinion of the public regarding gay people. People love Ellen, they love Rachel Maddow, they love "Queer Eye", therefore they give other gay people a chance.

If Chaz dances well and/or behaves well, he will change peoples minds about trans folk. Peoples opinion of him will transfer at least in part to their feelings about others that they perceive to be like him. If they like Chaz, they will give other trans folk a chance.

In general, people don't have a lot of exposure to trans folk, so it they see one it helps form or re-form their opinions about the group in general. The more they see, the more "particular" their opinion becomes. I like THAT trans person, but THAT one is an asshole. Sounds pretty much like they judge all people doesn't it? That's what we want, to be judged like other people, so the more exposure the better.

Personally I think he is a handsome young man, not too mature in his new "self" yet as could be expected in one so newly transitioned. I rarely watch DWTS, but his being there may raise my interest level enough to watch it this season. I wish him well.(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)
Smooches,
Keri

Hmmm I've been thinking about this since I first heard the rumour...

I haven't watched the show but here are my thoughts:

If it's population vote off - he will most likely be the first one voted off strictly because the general public just doesn't get it - and right now they don't wanna get it... UNLESS more people hate Nancy Grace - that may be a close one. Of course he may have the entire LGBTQI voting base - so that may help quite a bit as well...

If it's by talent - well he's a bigger boy.. how hard are the first dances? How well have bigger guys / girls fared in the past? And if he is honestly the worst dancer - is the LGBTQI community willing to accept that - or will we be up in arms regardless?

Several thoughts - but I will say that this is the closest I've come to watching DWTS - so if their aim is to increase viewership than they are dead on.

I am humoured however that there are articles out there saying "Chaz Bono to Dance with WOMEN on DWTS"... so many more miles to go

[quote=iamkeri1;408728]Exposure is good in itself.

Exposure in the media of the full spectrum of gay folk has been instrumental in reforming the opinion of the public regarding gay people. People love Ellen, they love Rachel Maddow, they love "Queer Eye", therefore they give other gay people a chance.

That's a good point. I've always been of the notion that people aren't as quick to hate someone they "know" whether it's their son/daughter/other relative or someone they like on TV. I tend to think the exposure is really good in the long run, although in the short term, it could just be mocked.


Agreed. All the speculation centered on who he'd be partnered with. When I first heard it, my reaction was, "Of course he'll be with a woman."

As for the format, I haven't watch it enough to know, but I think it's a combination of judging/voting.

Thanks G. I too am wondering about his physical ability. I am a big guy too. I go up and down and I know how much carrying the extra weight and aging can take out of a person.

I like some others think that having a transman come into their homes via TV on a weekly schedule may help change the opinions of some. I was not 100% thrilled with everything Chaz said or did in his documentary. People are humans, even celebrities. I like to think all humans can change, be teachable.

For my own personal stuff, I am looking forward to seeing what Chaz wears. I really like some of the suits I have seen him wearing. I think Chaz is a handsome guy. I would like to think I am handsome too, with the help of some fashion tips.

Poor Kate was as stiff as a board.

I never watch the show. I will now. Lets see what they say about ratings boost...hell look at all of us who stand behind Chaz. All kinda of reactions are gonna happen. That is what happens in pioneer country. It is gonna bust loose. I like Chaz cuz he does not carry himself arrogantly. I predict not the first to go... more importantlt when is the First Show. Got no shedyool.

Hummm
 

I think some of the entertainment will be comming from the announcers..Maybe stumbling over their words and miss-speaking..Ya know they are doing it for the ratings..This might be pooring gas on a pile of wood and throwing the match to see how big the explosion is..The explosion is the public..Very courious to see how Chaz does..I wish him the best..Tricky moves in some of those dances and i hope he pulls them off..Nancy Grace was mentioned come on when was the last time she did the 2 step..??..I think everyone has an equal chance of winning..I am thinking Chaz isnt going to be the first one to go..

s..

You go Chaz. Rock it!

this was a very strategic marketing move. DWTS was slipping in ratings and they had to get someone on that would attract newcomers as well as keep veteran viewers. Being gay isnt enuf nowadays to attract mainstream attention. But trans is. Thats MY take as to why they put him on. Also my opinion, is that this is INCREDIBLE! What a great way to expose the general american public about the trans community? Outside of documentaries, which I believe "the choir" watches (as in, singing to the choir), the American public rarely has an opportunity to just sit back and relax and see someone be "real". And this is Sonny and Cher's kid, for heavens sake. The majority of America grew up watching them on tv, buying their music, and seeing Chaz grow up. This brings it home to them. Chaz is the American public's kid...the nation as a collective whole is getting the chance to process, which in turn should make it easier on the individual level whenever they encounter someone who is transitioning in their personal worlds.

I am so glad this is happening!

Interesting piece on Cher responding to the early bigoted statements about Chaz appearing on the show-

http://jezebel.com/5836513/cher-lash...acking-her-son

I wish him the best, yet also wonder about his physical fitness for this kind of dance- it ain't easy and takes stamina! Who knows, maybe he is working on his health and weight and will appear later in the season. They all get dance lessons and have workouts. He (pre-transitioning) was also on "The Biggest Loser" some years ago- I appreciate that he gets out there and exposes his vulnerabilities and has in so many ways. Not an easy thing to do- I think it is very different to get out there outside of our familiar and much safer "communities" and say hello.

This will bring many kinds of responses as this show cuts across a lot of populations in viewership. Hopefully, this exposure in a kind of mainstream situation will bring more positive awareness.

I think his health will be a huge factor. I hope he is preparing himself and will take this in consideration. Worse case it will be a positive more healthy move for him. Also I agree with exposure but honestly I'm not sure the public is affected by it.

I did happen to finally catch the MTV awards last night and thought Lady Gaga was great in drag. It was an excellent precursor to her "thanks" and addressing the entire gender community.

I think he will do well. He knows that everyone is watching him so hopefully he will make it a point to give it his best shot.

Why are these people so feeble minded? They don't even think they just react with fear and ignorance. I hope people vote for him. I don't like these shows but I may watch it just for support. Now I know how my family felt when they got excited that there was a black person on Jeopardy back in the day.

me, too- on lady gaga!

As someone that has been partner dancing for a few years now, he will find his weight a problem. It is very hard on the knees and people I dance with are always trying to drop weight if they need to in order to help with this wear and tear (literally- miniscus tears are prevalent in dancing with a partner and syncronizing) But, I'm 60 and have 3 kinds of arthritis and have been able to take- instruction with dance coaches that work with people like me and make great progress. But I will never achieve at a high level- but it is about so much more- like having great fun!!! Those "moves" are not easy and if one is a trained lead, there is a lot to master. Dance is an athletic endeavor as well as artful and really good for getting in shape. It also can change one's entire relationship to one's body in very positive ways including body image, confidence, balance and just general endurance.

He can really have a good time with this aside from being on the show and really I love the idea of a transperson taking this on- but I also am hoping he gets what dance can bring to people with self-care. I guess I want this to not just be about media hype or even trans politics- I want there to be a whole lot for Chaz as a person in this.

Funny, DWTS is not something I watch, even as I have enjoyed finding partner dancing (especially queer partner dancing). But, I am going to watch it now- want to help get the "vote" out (like Ebon)! Also, I bet there will be many counter-Tweet situations to bozo bigots.

Cher will be a good draw for their ratings too.
 

You can Go here to vote

It's at 54% in His Favor.

Cher comes out for Chaz
Cher Slams Bigots, Rallies Support For Chaz Bono on Dancing With the Stars
September 1st, 2011 7:09 AM by Free Britney


Upset by the harsh criticism of Chaz Bono being cast on Dancing With the Stars, his famous mom is rallying to transgendered contestant's defense.

Cher, who fully backed Chaz's decision to become a man, offered overwhelming support of Chaz on Twitter and urged her followers to do the same, writing:

"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."

"I support him no matter what he chooses 2do! God! will here always be haters! It took COURAGE 2 do dwts! TG Chaz has Unlimited supply."

Just voted on this link- thanks for posting it! He is seriously trying to get in shape for this- and maybe all of us voting on just this blog could help him out with all the bigoted garbage that has been floating around. GO VOTE!!!


Chaz on Dancing With the Stars: What's your take? (http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/20...ith-the-stars/)

Look at this! The assbites are winning!!! VOTE in support of him!!!

Thanks for voting!
54.5%

I fully support Chaz and ABC!
17.0%

It undermines American values!
28.5%
Who cares, it's Dancing with the Stars?!?
Total Votes: 3799
Read more celebrity gossip at: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/20...#ixzz1X5f754WC

GO Chaz!!!

Some People SUCK!!!
 

Humanity never ceases to amaze me with their gross comments and antiquated ideas about how children are going to react to Chazz dancing with a woman. DUH who else would he dance with? Plus if your 5 year old is up watching Dancing With The Stars perhaps you should take a look at your parenting skills and ask yourself why is my child who is still developing not getting ready for bed and rest time?


There is no *gay agenda* that's being plotted to pervert or pursuade your Barbie playing daughter to leave the Dream House and start working on cars, though if she doesn't know about cars perhaps these parent should take the time and teach their daughter about changing a tire in case anything happens when she's out on the road.

I am also AMAZED on how some of these concerned parents weren't throwing fits when Kendra Wilkinson was on there FFS she was in a polyamorous relationship with the kindgof all things perverted Hugh Heffner, I didn't see all these concerned parents wondering how they were going to explain Kendra's stripper pole dancing moves to them. I certainly didn't see the same hoopla happen when Pam Anderson was on there and she has an infamous sex tape as did Kim Kardashian. These people men and women are not the poster people for all things pure.

I'm curious to see how the sexist douche bag judge Bruno Tonioli reacts towards Chazz he was pretty gross with Ralph Macchio about how he wasn't man enough to handle his dancing partner.


As for Chazz weight or lack of shape he is in, there have been A LOT of DWTS *so called stars* that were not slender and lost A LOT of weight and have managed to keep it off. I hope that is the case for him if that is what he WANTS. His dancing can't be no worse than these past participants:

Bristol Palin--SUCKED!! who btw came in 3rd cause she kept getting votes even though she SUCKED

Pam Anderson--SUCKED!!

Mike *The Situation*--SUCKED AND HE's a DOUCHEBAG

Kendra Wilkinson-- SUCKED AND SHE WHINED

Kate from Kate + 8= SUCKED

I could go on and on. I'll watch cause I love Ricky Lake!!! I'll vote for Chazz because I'll be damned if I watch him get chased out cause some folks don't know how to explain to their children that gender is fluid and Chazz is just a guy who wants to dance.

Like the kids know the difference anyway. Kids see a man or a woman.

I voted.I just hope the folks who voted negatively one of these days take a deep breath and just get over themselves,I mean this is 2011 ..we are suposed to be liveing in a modern world where being part of the colective isnt the way its is any more.Individuality is what makes the world go around,if we were the same what a boreing plce we would live in.Chaz has done something becomeing who he wanted to be..how many people can say that and be at peace with it?No mater where we go or what we do there will always be someone who wont feel the same as the next person,all Ican say is if you dont like how anyone lives there life just move on and do your own thing somewhere else.Go Chaz!

I'm sorry I didn't mean to make a comment about his weight like that. I meant that while watching him on interviews and such this past year he was having difficulty even breathing. I would love to see him go the duration and kick some serious ass. In fact I'll be sure to vote and if I lived in his town I'd personally go there and bring him fresh organic veggie juice, salads and vitamins to help him kick that serious ass.

I agree there are some people that are a waste of time on the show. More then anything I would love to see him win and a big FUCK YOU to bigots.

Oh I know you didn't mean anything ugly by it, the Kardashian boy is on there cause he is over 200 lbs and this is the heaviest he's been so he liked the idea of DWTS helping him out with that which btw I think it's great I know when my big ass goes dancing I come home sore as hell and tired. Kelly Osbourne lost weight and has kept it off so if that is his goal to be healthy I hope DWTS gives him that opportunity!:)

I have never watched DWTS. I am this year thought!!!!!

One really great thing is going to come out of all this uproar. Kids will be learning about it, little pitchers really do have big ears. I expect to hear about it on the playground any day. This is going to help more kids see themselves and their options in a positive light.

OMG... I am so horrified by this! http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/...ng-with-stars/ :|

(oops, just noticed it's already been posted. I could barely read it however, it is awful!)

so what if Chaz is a husky fella? Kirstie Alley was just on there and transformed right in front of us! He is an inspiration for all of us who need to get in better shape! Go Chaz!

I posted this on my facebook page and very proud that my son decided to share it on his and make commentary to support.

I am gonna watch it this time but only cuz he is on it.

I don't see why there has to be so much controversy of it anyways but thats just me.

I watched "Becoming Chaz" on the OWN network and marveled at his courage to be so public with something that can be so very private....during this I was curious about what would Cher's reaction be and to be honest was a little disappointed by her responses, but understandably acceptance is also a private journey one takes....

When I heard the announcement and the ensuing horrendous commentary on Chaz joining DWTS, I was like wow...this guy has bigger balls than any bio guy I know. Granted I agree with other posts that this was a strategic move to garner more ratings, Chaz didn't have to accept...knowing full well he would be in the spotlight again. Can only imagine that after so recently transitioning, the focus of the day might be more on just living a normal life for the first time...

Was happy to see Cher come out so strongly in support for her son. I hope Chaz kicks some serious ass and retains that cheerful demeanor and quiet statement of "this is just who I am...deal with it"

Here's a practice gallery shot of Chaz I found while looking for the start date, which is Sept. 19-20, btw.

I'll definitely be voting for someone for the first time. Usually I've just watched while I worked because it was what was on the tube. Now, I'm interested and will be following to see how people treat it.

There have been a lot of trans issues I've seen in the paper lately, mostly having to do with young children (10 or younger). This has the potential to be a great thing for these children who are struggling with identity, particularly if DWTS and Chaz just take it in stride and go, if you know what I mean. Just let him be a guy that's trying to compete.

I personally think it is great that Chaz in on DWTS, but am disappointed with America's reaction. "Gay" has only become mainstream in the past 10 years or so, which is fairly recent. When I say mainstream, I mean shows like Will and Grace, Queer Eye and other popular shows that make the straighties feel warm and fuzzy... and are often stereotypical. This is a whole new ballgame. An FTM is definitely not mainstream and definitely misunderstood. I think it is ground breaking and I am proud to be a part of the community during this time.. and I hope that this can help catapult our community to a deeper understanding with mainstream America. I know there is going to be a lot of backlash... but I think it will end up opening a few more minds. Even if it opens only one, I think we have won.

As far as the Lady Gaga thing? I think most people who know nothing about the trans community took it as her dressing in a costume and entertaining... nothing more. I really don't even think it has any more clout than that, for myself personally. I wasn't very impressed. That's my opinion.

I think Lady Gaga presented a nonthreatening gender bending platform. Curious and lighthearted. She clearly supports the queer community with intelligent and artistic statements.

I think this is great! Rather then a high rating freak show a venue to show support for diversity.