Watch Becoming Chaz

Becoming Chaz is a documentary film that follows the incredible, emotional, and sometimes difficult journey of Chaz Bono's transition from female to male. Originally aired on OWN in 2011, this documentary is a unique insight into the life of a transgender person and their struggles with gender identity.

The film showcases Chaz's transition, both physically and emotionally, with the support of his loving mother, Cher, and his friends. Chaz opens up about his journey, talking candidly about his struggles with his body, his self-confidence, and his relationships with women, including his former partner, Jennifer Elia.

The movie begins with a look back at Chaz's early life as Chastity, the only child of a famous Hollywood couple. Since a young age, Chaz knew that he was different. Despite his parents' best efforts to raise him as a girl, he always felt out of place in his female body. As he grew older, his discomfort increased, leading him to experiment with drugs and alcohol as a way to cope.

Finally, after years of struggling with his gender identity, Chaz made the brave decision to transition. The documentary offers a fascinating insight into Chaz's transformation process, including his hormone treatments and surgeries, which he underwent to change his appearance and his body to match the male gender he identified with.

Throughout the film, Chaz's journey is viewed through the lens of his relationship with Jennifer Elia. The couple had been together for several years, but Chaz's transformation posed new challenges for the relationship. Although Jennifer has always been supportive of Chaz's transition, Chaz admits that it has been challenging for him to navigate the changes in their dynamic, and their story takes center stage in the second half of the documentary.

The film also vividly portrays the psychological and social challenges faced by transgender people in society. Some scenes depict ignorant and cruel people (mostly on social media) who misgender or dehumanize him. It serves to raise awareness and increase acceptance and challenges us to reevaluate our biases.

Overall, Becoming Chaz is an honest and thought-provoking documentary that shows the incredible courage and strength of a person who is willing to risk everything to be their true self. The documentary does not shy away from the struggles of his transition, but it shows beautifully the triumphs and perhaps tries to break down the taboo and stigma associated with being a transgender person.

Finally, Chaz's story opens up an essential conversation about gender identity and provides an insight into the importance of understanding and respecting everyone regardless of their gender orientation. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the trans community, especially those who might not be aware of the challenges they face, should watch this documentary.