Chaz Bono on 'DWTS': GLAAD Approves, Fans Don't

While most of the announced names for the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" were a bit ho-hum (oh look, Kristin Cavallari is on another reality show), there was one that started both an outpouring of support and a harsh backlash. That name is Chaz Bono.

Bono is the child of music legends Sonny and Cher, and is a female-to-male transgendered individual. He was the subject of the Emmy-nominated documentary "Becoming Chaz," which followed the process of his gender transition and aired on Oprah's OWN network.

GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, was quick to praise the choice.

The organization released a statement saying, "At a time when transgender representation in the media is sorely lacking, Chaz Bono joining the cast is a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are another wonderful part of the fabric of American culture. Appearing on such a high-profile show will allow millions of Americans to get to know him in a whole new light," according to EW.

And they have a point...I can't even think of another major network show that has had a transgendered individual on it, much less one that gets the viewership that "DWTS" does.

But viewers had a much more mixed reaction. While some went on ABC's message boards to support the casting, others went on to display their disappointment at the choice, many of them saying that they will stop watching the show altogether as a result.

One of the more vitriolic ones read, "YOUR choice to bring Chaz Bono into the mix goes too far. I am not about to risk the potential for on screen dialogue about sex changes and gender confusion while my 7 and 9 year old are watching...You've lost us. In case any of you are wondering ... no, we are NOT tolerant. We are not tolerant to allow any and all influences to come unfiltered into our home and especially to our children. This is truly a sad farewell."

My only complaint is that I don't see how Chaz Bono is a "star"...but then again, who is on that show anymore? Bono is no more controversial a choice than Bristol Palin in my book.

What do you think about ABC's casting choices, Bono or otherwise?