The difficult decision to have sex reassignment surgery is one that according to experts could have begun for Bono at birth, though it's clear he has grappled with the decision for a long time.
"Yes, it's true -- Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity,' said Bono's publicist, Howard Bragman, in a statement. "He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones.”
From Birth to Rebirth
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), some transgender people can trace the roots of their sexual identity issues to an early age, while for others, questions of their identity develop at a later age.
For Bono, the only child of 1960s pop stars Sonny and Cher, midlife will serve as his rebirth.
The 40-year-old activist and reality TV star -- he appeared on the show "Celebrity Fit Club” in 2005 and has long been a voice for gay, lesbian and transgender people -- has not spoken publicly about his decision.
But despite his own silence, Bono's decision gives him the opportunity to help mainstream America see transgender issues more openly.
A Voice for Others
"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." Bragman said.
It's a process he began in 1995, when he, as Chastity Bono, appeared on the cover of The Advocate magazine, talked openly about being "out at last," and landed a high-profile job with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Neil Giuliano, president of that group, said, "Chaz Bono's decision to life his life authentically represents an important step forward, both for him personally and for all who are committed to advancing discussions about equality for transgender people.
"Coming out as transgender is an extremely personal decision and one that is never made lightly," Giuliano added. "We look forward to hearing Chaz's story in his own words in the future."
Bono has written two books, "Family Outing: A Guide to the Coming-Out Process for Gays, Lesbians, & Their Families," and "The End of Innocence: A Memoir.
His Biggest Challenge
But no matter the success of his surgical transformation, Bono will face his biggest hurdle as a man when dealing with others.
According to the APA, most U.S. cities and states do not have laws in place to protect transgender people, and they are often the targets of hate crimes, such as the 2002 murder of transgender teen Gwen Araujo, whose killers were ultimately not convicted of a hate crime.
