- Chaz Bono, born Chastity Bono, captivated audiences through his journey of gender transition.
- Yet, let’s imagine an alternate reality where Chaz never embarked on his gender transition.
- In these six AI-generated photos, we envision how he might look today, bearing the features reminiscent of his iconic mother, Cher.
Sonny and Cher with Chastity Bono in 1971. | Source: Getty Images
Singer and actress Cher is a mom of two. She welcomed her first child Chaz Bono, born Chastity, on March 4, 1969, with her ex-husband Sonny Bono. On July 10, 1976, Cher became a mom again, when she welcomed her son, Elijah Blue Allman, with her ex-husband Gregg Allman.
Sonny, Cher, and Chastity Bono, circa 1973. | Source: Getty Images
Chaz, born a girl, underwent gender transitioning as an adult. When Chaz was young, his mom was careful to shield him from too much public exposure and pressure. However, Chaz was ready for the limelight and bugged his mom to be featured on the “Cher” series.
Chastity Bono in Aspen, Colorado, on December 12, 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Eventually, Cher gave in and Chaz appeared on the last show of the last season as a surprise guest. “She felt right at home, since she’d been around television studios all her life, and we both enjoyed it more because we could be together,” recalled Cher.
Sonny and Cher Bono pose with Chastity Bono in front of a staircase, on March 1, 1973. | Source: Getty Images
As Chaz grew up, Cher noted that she felt the most important thing to her was to be honest with her child. The singer would speak the truth to Chaz in a way her young child could understand. She would talk more softly to Chaz than she would to an adult. On top of everything, Cher respected Chaz and he knew that.
Cher, Chastity Bono, and Sonny Bono in 1983. | Source: Getty Images
When asked if she would like Chaz to be an entertainer when he grew up, the singer replied, “Sure. If that turns out to be what she wants.” The singer described Chaz as very musical and unafraid of the audience unlike her who sometimes feared the crowd.
Cher with Chastity Bono in 1992. | Source: Getty Images
“If she does become a singer or an actress, it will be her own decision. And she has plenty of time. In the meantime, I am proud of the person she is becoming, and I’m glad she is my friend,” added Cher.
Cher and Chastity Bono at the 19th Annual Glaad Media Awards in Los Angeles, California on April 19, 1998. | Source: Getty Images
When Chaz turned 19, he revealed he wasn’t into flashy and provocative fashion like his mother. Instead, Chaz was into quiet and casual fashion, often rocking a T-shirt and jeans.
Chaz also delved into his mom’s parenting, “Sometimes, I act like the parent and mom acts like a kid.” He noted that when his mom wanted to add a white strip to her short jet-black hair, he told her, “Mom, you can’t. It’s ridiculous. What will people think?”