I hope you dance.
And that’s not just meant for Chaz Bono in this whole Dancing With the Stars show, it’s meant for all of us. When we get a chance to let our light shine, do we sit down in fear or do we get up off our asses and dance? Dance with our head held high, eyes straight ahead, enjoying these moments before they fade away.
Someone on Facebook commented about Chaz’s decision to go on the DWTS show saying that “she must have known that there would be controversy so the situation is bittersweet”. Immediately I responded with a “HE made his choices knowing that this could be an opportunity to educate people,” and frankly, he wants to sell books too. This isn’t a slam. When I met him in Philly and heard him speak he was really honest about the fact that he is promoting a book. That’s his job.
So is it really bittersweet? Or is it just indicative of a society that doesn’t understand trans issues, and people. Hell, even the gal on Facebook who was trying to say she supports Chaz called him a “she”. We have an opportunity here. My take is that until transgender issues and stories permeate popular culture the majority of Americans will remain ignorant, and beyond that, fearful of what they know nothing about.
It will take a variety of trans stories and characters (in movies and television) for people across this country to sit in the quiet of their homes and learn that people who are trans (or gender diverse or whatever term one uses to describe their identity or expression) are just like everyone else.
Do the folks arguing about Chaz being on this dancing show really get that? Is the media just ruffling feathers to promote a show that I have to admit I haven’t watched since the first season? Is this for ratings? Or are people trying to wrap their heads around something they don’t understand? I don’t know.
What I do know is that when Chaz Bono was literally given the opportunity to sit down or dance, he chose to dance. And I applaud him for that. Really, who wants to go out there and be judged by people? None of us. It’s a courageous move for him and he’s seizing his chance to get out there with his head held high, eyes straight forward and heart in the moment.
It’s people like Chaz who are paving the way for kids like mine and I am forever grateful. Thank you.
Just watched The Rosie Show discussing the new documentary “I Am Jazz” airing on the OWN Network on November 27, 2011 and let out a long, heavy sigh.
