Chaz Bono: Biography, Transition, Marriage, and More

It’s not every day that the child of two superstars becomes a trailblazer in their own right, especially when their journey includes a very public transition. Chaz Bono, the only son of Cher and Sonny Bono, has lived much of his life in the spotlight—first as a child on his parents’ variety show, then as a prominent LGBTQ+ activist, and now as a married man and actor.

Full name: Chaz Salvatore Bono ·
Born: March 4, 1969 (Los Angeles, California) ·
Parents: Sonny Bono and Cher ·
Occupation: Writer, musician, actor, LGBTQ+ activist ·
Known for: Transition from female to male, advocacy, reality TV ·
Spouse: Shara Mathes (married 2024)

Seven key facts about Chaz Bono, drawn from verified sources.

The table below organizes the core biographical data into a quick-reference format.

What happened to Cher’s daughter Chaz?

Chaz Bono was assigned female at birth and given the name Chastity Sun Bono. As a child, he appeared regularly on The Sonny & Cher Show alongside his parents (People). For decades, the public knew him as Cher and Sonny’s daughter.

From child star to adult

• Born March 4, 1969, in Los Angeles (Wikipedia)
• Appeared on TV from age 3
• Came out as lesbian in 1995 (ABC News)

The decision to transition

• Began gender transition in mid-2008 (Wikipedia)
• In a 2011 ABC News interview, Bono said the process began after his 40th birthday in March 2009 (ABC News)
• Legal name and gender change completed in 2010 (Wikipedia)

The pattern: Chaz Bono did not vanish from public life after transitioning—he turned his personal journey into a public education.

Do Cher and Chaz have a relationship?

The bond between Cher and her son has been tested but remains intact. Cher has publicly stated she supports Chaz’s transition, though she initially struggled with it.

Support during transition

• Cher acknowledged in a 2023 Los Angeles Times interview that accepting Chaz’s transition was difficult at first (YouTube)
• Mother and son attended counseling together (YouTube)
• There were periods when they did not speak for months (YouTube)

Current relationship status

• Cher later came to embrace Chaz’s transgender identity (YouTube)
• Chaz has described their relationship as close in recent interviews
• Reports indicate Cher may not have been invited to Chaz’s 2024 wedding amid tension (YouTube)

The pattern: Despite inevitable strain, the family ties held. What this means is that even high-profile families navigate the same challenges as any other—just with more public scrutiny.

Cher’s Son Chaz Bono MARRIES First Girl He Ever Kissed!

In 2024, Chaz Bono married Shara Blue Mathes, a childhood friend he first kissed as a teenager. The wedding was a full-circle moment.

Who is Shara Mathes?

• Shara Blue Mathes knew Chaz when they were teenagers (Wikipedia)
• They reconnected in January 2017 (Wikipedia)
• She is a private individual, not a celebrity

Wedding details

• Married on March 8, 2024, according to Wikipedia (though some reports say 2026 – date is unclear) (Wikipedia)
• Chaz called her his “first girlfriend” in press statements

The implication: Chaz Bono’s marriage represents continuity rather than reinvention—a connection to his past that survived his transformation.

Is Chaz Bono LGBTQ?

Yes. Chaz Bono identifies as a transgender man and queer. He has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for decades.

Coming out as lesbian

• Bono came out as lesbian in 1995 (ABC News)
• He was publicly out for more than a decade before transitioning (ABC News)

Gender identity as trans man

• Began hormone therapy in 2008 (Wikipedia)
• In 2011, he said he was the same person, just in a different body (ABC News)
• He has not publicly discussed lower surgery details

Is Chaz Bono still with Jennifer?

Chaz Bono’s long-term relationship with Jennifer Elia ended around 2010, years before his marriage to Shara Mathes.

Relationship with Jennifer Elia

• Chaz and Jennifer were together from 2001 to 2010 (Wikipedia)
• They separated before his transition was completed
• Elia has largely stayed out of the public eye since

Current partner

• Chaz married Shara Mathes in 2024 (Wikipedia)
• They are his third known serious relationship after Jennifer Elia

The pattern: Chaz’s personal relationships have evolved alongside his identity, with each chapter marked by a new partner who knew him at different stages of life.

Timeline

Key dates in Chaz Bono’s life, from birth to marriage.

Key quotes

“I’m the same person, but in a different body.”

— Chaz Bono, in a 2011 interview with ABC News

“It was a difficult time for both of us, but we went to counseling and worked through it.”

— Chaz Bono, on his relationship with Cher during transition (YouTube)

Chaz Bono’s story is far from over. With a new marriage, a budding film career, and a complex but enduring relationship with his mother, his next chapter promises as much public fascination as the last. For those following his journey, the takeaway is clear: identity, family, and love are all works in progress—even under the brightest spotlight.

Related reading: Chaz Bono’s transition

For a deeper look at Chaz Bono’s life and career, including details about his partner and net worth, one can explore further biographical resources.

Frequently asked questions