'Dancing with the Stars' 2011: New Lineup Creates All-Star Drama
ABC network has drawn criticism in many unfamiliar forms since Monday, when it annouced the new lineup that included transgender Chaz Bono, real name Chastity Sun Bono, the only child of famed entertainers Sonny and Cher, on its upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
Although, one organization commended the network - GLAAD.
In a statement, The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) said Bono and former Queer Eye star Carson Kressley on the show, has created prime time firsts that reflect the growing acceptance of gay and transgender people in America today, for the network.
At a time when transgender representation in the media is sorely lacking, Chaz Bono joining the cast of a series like 'Dancing With the Stars' is a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are an important part of the fabric of American culture, Herndon Graddick, senior director of programs at GLAAD, told reporters.
This is not the first time a gay celebrity has appeared on Dancing with the Stars. In Season 7, former NSync singer Lance Bass competed, although with a female partner.
Appearing on such a high profile show will allow millions of Americans to get to know [Bono] in a whole new light, GLAAD added.
But within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered (LGBT) community, disapproval loomed.
TMZ reported Wednesday that a transgendered person, Thomas Beatie, reached out to casting in the hopes of landing a spot a few months ago, but was never called back.
After news broke about the Bono casting on Dancing, Beatie reportedly said he was rejected because the transgender quota had already been filled.
Beatie told the gossip site, I wanted to try my new body out. I’m an athlete and I know I would have excelled.
An ABC spokesman said Bono, 42, was in rehearsals for the show and unavailable to comment.
The network, meanwhile, had no comment Tuesday on the comments posted by Dancing fans on its message board.
ABC's Dancing with the Stars returns on TV on Monday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET in the form of a two-hour season premiere.
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