The daughter of the late Sonny Bono and singer/ actress Cher is going in for a sex transformation surgery. Previously known as Chastity Bono, she will be known as Chaz henceforth. On June 11th, the written statement released by her spokesperson Howard Bragman stated that she is going through the initial phase of the surgery for the sex transformation.

Chastity Bono had confirmed her lesbian status as early as 18 years of age. Shortly after her 40th birthday on March 4th, she went it for the surgery. Chastity is a gay rights activist, writer and reality TVstar.

The issued statement says that “Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz’s hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his ‘coming out’ did nearly 20 years ago.”

Chastity Bono’s publicist Howard Bragman urged the media to “respect Chaz’s privacy during this long process, as he will not be doing any interviews at this time.”

Congresswoman Mary Bono, Sonny Bono’s widow, is lending her support to Chastity’s decision in seeking her identity. Incidentally, the Republican Bono had not taken any stand on California’s Prop 8, anti gay marriage initiative. She is hopeful that Chastity’s privacy will be respected during this trying time.

Chastity’s father Sonny Bono was an American record producer, singer, actor and politician. He was a Republican candidate. In 1998, he passed away in a fatal skiing accident near South Tahoe in California.