"Becoming Chaz"

[Rockinonahigh]

I watched Chazz on Piers Morgan last night the show was pretty good,unfourtunatly I didnt see the doc cause I dont get own.I was surprised as anyone about that he had to borrow $$ for top surgery,my son watched most of the show with me and the things he ask me were long time in comeing between us.One thing he ask was did I feel the same way about my cheaticels as Chazz..I said ..yes.Then he as why I havent persued top surgery?I told him that money was one thing..another was how he would deal with the changes,how people he knew would feel ect.Then I was ask how much dose this top urgery cost..I really have forgotten as I just see no chanch of me doing that at my age as well as health issues..I told him sevberal thousand at least...Besides no one dose that surgery hear even tho I have herd someone dose, im not really shure.All this made both of us do some thin king wich is good.

[julieisafemme]

I enjoyed the documentary. I actually thought as a partner that many of the issues we deal with were shown and explored through Jen. I found their relationship very hard to watch. Their was a lot of tension and grief that I could feel. When she said she has to get know him over and over as things change and progress I could really relate to that. You do never know what is in store! A physical change, a different way of relating. Some could be just normal changes couples go through but there is usually a question or thought 'is this transition related'.

What I really would have liked to have seen is more about how they arrived at the idea that they are now a straight couple. I don't think all couples get to that place. I am not there yet. My concern is that the general public will look at Chaz and think that this is how it is for every transman.

I do though very much appreciate his coming forward and sharing his story. Oprah is big time mainstream. I am hoping this will contribute towards transpeople being recognized and accepted for who they are.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

I enjoyed the documentary. I actually thought as a partner that many of the issues we deal with were shown and explored through Jen. I found their relationship very hard to watch. Their was a lot of tension and grief that I could feel. When she said she has to get know him over and over as things change and progress I could really relate to that. You do never know what is in store! A physical change, a different way of relating. Some could be just normal changes couples go through but there is usually a question or thought 'is this transition related'.

What I really would have liked to have seen is more about how they arrived at the idea that they are now a straight couple. I don't think all couples get to that place. I am not there yet. My concern is that the general public will look at Chaz and think that this is how it is for every transman.

I do though very much appreciate his coming forward and sharing his story. Oprah is big time mainstream. I am hoping this will contribute towards transpeople being recognized and accepted for who they are.

I thought it was very good on the relationship(s) part of transition.

Someone earlier was taken back that the interview with Cher were seperate, yet I could relate to that. If my mom was being interviewed it would be far more comfortable for both of us for it be seperate.

I saw the emphasis to be more on the emotional and relational aspects of transition then the nity grity struggles and process of transition.

[Blade]

I think that those of us who were shocked that he borrowed money for his surgery and that he had such a nice place and those who've questioned, including myself how he makes his living, I don't think we were being nosey. For me personally I am curious as to how anyone pays for the surgery. I don't know how I will ever pay for it. I know some folks use credit cards some probably save for it or borrow for it.

For me I'd have to save a small fortune to have the surgery because I'd have to have enough money to pay my bills while I was out of work and who really knows how long that would be, since it is likely different for each person depending on the job they hold.

I think we all realize he could be living off of something his Dad might have left him, but if he is I think he wouldn't have borrowed the money to have it done. Maybe I will ask the finance question in the trans zone.

[Tommi]

I just watched Chazz and Jenny on Piers Morgan. Glad to have seen all of the coverage to date. I saw them treated respectfully and openly by Piers, and am glad he did the interview. In this show, I saw a maturation of the two of them and Chazz knowing part of this was the leveling out his T level.

[Miss Scarlett]

This came in an email from SheWired/The Advocate

http://www.shewired.com/g-spot/chaz-...ition%E2%80%99

Also the latest issue of People Magazine (the one with Shania Twain on the cover) has a pretty good article about Chaz and his book.

[Melissa]

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

I enjoyed the documentary. I actually thought as a partner that many of the issues we deal with were shown and explored through Jen. I found their relationship very hard to watch. Their was a lot of tension and grief that I could feel. When she said she has to get know him over and over as things change and progress I could really relate to that. You do never know what is in store! A physical change, a different way of relating. Some could be just normal changes couples go through but there is usually a question or thought 'is this transition related'.

What I really would have liked to have seen is more about how they arrived at the idea that they are now a straight couple. I don't think all couples get to that place. I am not there yet. My concern is that the general public will look at Chaz and think that this is how it is for every transman.

I do though very much appreciate his coming forward and sharing his story. Oprah is big time mainstream. I am hoping this will contribute towards transpeople being recognized and accepted for who they are.

I liked the point Jenn made that everyone is in transition when a friend, loved one, etc goes through a transition. I thought about my own "transition" on many levels as Rufus decided to and then went through his own transition. I am interested in knowing what types of transitions partners of trans men and women go through.

Melissa