Dancing With the Stars 2011: Cher Comes to Chaz’s Defense

After ABC announced Monday night that the transgender Chaz Bono would fox-trotting, waltzing and quick-stepping his way through the 13^th season of Dancing with the Stars, many enraged fans took to the message boards to talk of their displeasure.

Chaz Bono, who was born a woman named Chastity to Sonny Bono and Cher, but legally changed his gender and name last year, was named a participant in the popular dancing competition. But the fans aren't particularly jiving with it.

Cher took to her Twitter Wednesday, writing;

lovelies! Chaz is being Viciously Attacked on Blogs & Message boards about being on DWTS! This is Still America right? It took guts 2 do it

bet VAST MAJORITY of People will LOVE CHAZ on DWTS! ... Chaz isn't exactly the Gotta Dance Gotta Dance kinda Guy

The Dancing with the Stars message board was aflutter with hundreds of comments after the latest contestants and pairings were released, and the majority of them focused on Bono.

ABC had no immediate comment Tuesday on the fans messages. Some of which read:

HUGE HUGE fan of this show since season two and eagerly await each season to get my dancing/entertainment fix!! But when I heard that Chaz Bono was going to be on, I was sick. Not that I have anything personally again (sic) him/her, I just don't want that lifestyle choice continually flaunted in the media esp ABC.

Chaz Bono How low can this show sink. Well you have certainly addressed the gay community. Guess this will not be a family show any longer!!!! Lost my family!

YOUR choice to bring Chaz Bono into the mix goings too far. I am not about to risk the potential for on screen dialogue about sex changes and gender confusion while my 7 and 9 year old are watching. If you want the 'anything goes' hippy culture, then soon that is all you will get. You've lost us. In case any of you are wondering... no, we are NOT tolerant. We are not tolerant to allow any and all influences to come unfiltered into our home and especially to our children. This is truly a sad farewell.

Typically, the show has paired men and women regardless of sexuality. The openly gay Lance Bass was paired with Lacey Schwimmer, who, it was announced, will be Bono's partner.

But some DWTS fans have been supportive, with one writing, I never and mean NEVER watch DWTS but will this season to support/vote for Chaz.

Chaz tweeted his mom back Wednesday night, saying:

Thanks for all your support mom. The aters are just motivating me to work harder and stay on DWTS as long as I possibly can.

The show will premiere Sept. 19.