Career Timeline of Chaz Bono: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

Discover the career path of Chaz Bono, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Chaz Bono is an American writer, musician, and actor, known for being the child of Sonny Bono and Cher. He gained early public recognition through appearances on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Bono is also an activist.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1988: Beginning of Music Career

In 1988, Chaz Bono began a short music career with the band Ceremony.

1993: Release of 'Hang Out Your Poetry'

In 1993, Ceremony, the band featuring Chaz Bono, released their only album, 'Hang Out Your Poetry'.

April 1995: Coming Out as Lesbian in The Advocate

In April 1995, Chaz Bono publicly came out as a lesbian in an interview with The Advocate.

1998: Publication of Family Outing

In 1998, Bono's book 'Family Outing' detailed how coming out transformed his life and provided affirmation as a lesbian, woman, and individual.

2003: Publication of 'The End of Innocence'

In 2003, Chaz Bono's memoir 'The End of Innocence' was published, discussing his outing, music career, and partner Joan's death from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

2006: Celebrity Fit Club 3

In 2006, Chaz Bono was a team captain for Celebrity Fit Club 3, supported by his girlfriend Jennifer Elia.

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May 10, 2011: Becoming Chaz Debut on OWN

On May 10, 2011, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) debuted 'Becoming Chaz', a documentary film about Chaz Bono's transition.

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September 2011: Participation in 'Dancing with the Stars'

In September 2011, Chaz Bono became a competitor on the 13th season of 'Dancing with the Stars', marking the first time an openly transgender man starred on a major network television show for something unrelated to being transgender.

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October 25, 2011: Elimination from 'Dancing with the Stars'

On October 25, 2011, Chaz Bono and his partner Lacey Schwimmer were eliminated from the 13th season of 'Dancing with the Stars'.

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2011: Screening of 'Becoming Chaz'

In 2011, 'Becoming Chaz', a documentary about Chaz Bono's transition, was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and later debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

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2012: Publication of 'Transition'

In 2012, Chaz Bono's book, 'Transition: Becoming Who I Was Always Meant to Be' was published, making him the first person of Armenian descent to publish a memoir about being an openly transgender man.