Chaz Bono On Truth, Transition & Thriving

What happens when one of your closest friends — and one of the most fearless humans you know — sits down in The Stiletto Room? You get Chaz Bono, baby. Actor, activist, producer, trailblazer, and someone I’ve walked through sobriety, transformation, and truth with for decades.

In this raw, powerful, beautifully honest conversation, Chaz opens up about growing up as the child of Sonny & Cher, navigating identity long before the world had language for it, and what it really took to step into himself at 40 years old. We talk about transition, chosen family, the brutal political climate, LGBTQ+ rights, the fear and freedom of hormones, and how activism becomes a lifeline — not a choice.

Chaz shares how acting saved him, how independent horror became his unexpected creative playground, and why living authentically at ANY age is not just possible — it’s non-negotiable.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt “different,” anyone who’s ever had to fight for their place in the world, and anyone who believes in living boldly, bravely, and unapologetically.

About Chaz Bono

Chaz Bono is an American character actor and activist, and the only child of famed entertainers Sonny and Cher. He is best known for his work on American Horror Story and Curb Your Enthusiasm. An acclaimed author, Bono has written three books, including NY Times Best Sellers, Family Outing 1998, and Transition published by Dutton in 2011, a candid account of a forty-year struggle to match his gender identity. Adding to his multiple hyphenated talents, he has shared his life and experiences in, and produced the three-time Emmy nominated documentary, "Becoming Chaz."Bono has a rich history of advocating for LGBTQ rights, having worked for two national LGBTQ organizations, and as public speaker on college campuses and at events around the world. He continues to be a strong voice the for LGBTQ community, and is a passionate champion of equality for all Americans, especially those discriminated against and targeted because of race, religion, sex, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. In 2012 Bono decided to pursue his lifelong dream to have a career as a character actor. He’s guest stared in the films Dirty, Reborn, Three From Hell, Reboot Camp, The Bell Keeper, and Burry The Bride and Little Bites, which he also produced. Bono has also guest starred on American Horror Story: Roanoke and American Horror Story: Cult, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bold and the Beautiful.

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