DWTS' Lacey Schwimmer: Bigoted Reactions to Chaz Bono "Not Cool"
Credit: Scott Kirkland/Getty; Noel Vasquez/Getty
Chaz Bono is set to make Dancing with the Stars history as the first transgendered person to compete on the ABC smash -- and his pro partner Lacey Schwimmer is bummed that some fans of the show are slamming the milestone move.
"It's disappointing," Schwimmer told TheInsider.com of negative reactions to Bono posted on ABC's website and cruel jokes made at his expense on late night TV.
"No human is perfect, so why are they pointing out what they perceive to be an imperfection in someone else? It's not cool. We're all taught to not bully, or harass, and treat everyone as equals yet all these people are doing exactly the opposite," she says.
Schwimmer was over-the-moon to learn that LGBT activist and author (and the child of Cher and the late Sonny Bono) would be her partner for season 13.
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"I was absolutely thrilled. I've always been a huge supporter of the LGBT community and I couldn't be more excited to have Chaz. Not only is he Sonny & Cher’s child but he’s also a generally cool person," Schwimmer explained.
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How is Chaz doing in rehearsals so far? "He's picking up choreography very easily, but his stamina was very low. So we’ve been putting him through drills that will make him stronger in the competition. It’s all about him being able to breathe and get through a full dance."
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64Victoria, that is what I am hoping for is INSPIRATION to get up and dance. Oh I just remembered, that is what the chruch is for, dancing and celebrating that Jesus died for all of our sins, every body's sins. And now I just want to show how thankful I am by doing the good thing in every area of my life. It is a fight getting off that couch and gettin moving.
Seriosly? I think that is the "Christians" who need to go back and read your Bible all the way through - pay attention to Mathew 7:1- NO JUDGMENT. You cannot just pick and choose what verses you want to follow! And KEN: explain gender issues? Hope others will not watch?, talk about dramatic what has Chaz EVER done to u? I would rather have Chaz as my dad over some BIGOT like you! Judy: "I do not judge" = your judging right now STFU! GROW UP!!!!!!!
Am I the only one who doesn't get what the big deal is? http://bit.ly/qGdw7G
Wow! No doubt we will bring an end to ourselves. Life is way to short to have so much hatred. Does it really matter either way ? In the end, we are all just human. Our Souls have no gender....
Hate Chaz ? Hell no I love him but I love gorrilas too. Don't want to sleep with either.
For the people who are upset about this, let me tell you an experience I went thru. I'm over 45 and in the sixth grade I was up late watching Rock Concert. I see this woman walk down a run way. All of a sudden the hair comes off. This was in the mid 70's and I'm kind of puzzled. Then it dawns on me, this is a man. WOW!!! I ran and got my grandfather and ask why was a man dressed like a lady wearing a wig etc. He looked and replied "Because he wants to". I'll never forget that. My grandfather was a man of few words but he taught me to accept people the way they were. I didn't have to agree but be respectful. This would be a good time to explain transgender to your children. They're going to hear about it at school. Isn't it better to hear the correct answer from you than from their peers. The same goes with questions about sex.
I'm with Lacey! Chaz looks like a guy, acts like a guy, says he feels like a guy-WHY DOES IT MATTER?! WHO IS IT HURTING? NO ONE! And I agree with Franknpuff: kids wont know unless they are TOLD! Hats off to DWTS for standing behind Chaz!
Doesn't matter whether HE or SHE. There will not be enough wind to carry it through the demand dance routine. Too much weigh on the body does wear you down quickly
Totally agree with Lacey! People need to back waaaay off! Chaz doesn't seem to be promoting anything other than trying to dance well in the competition. Kids won't know he's any different than any other competitor...unless parents tell them!
I could say this is a great milestone but I'm not that liberal. Although sexy at times the show is great family entertainment and I don't need to explain gender issues to my kids. I won't be watching this season and I hope a lot of others don't also. I could care less about Chaz and we do not need this shoved in our collective faces.
I think it's a little weird but whatever. People can do what they want. I'd be a little upset that I wasn't getting some hot, sexy man to dance around with but it's all for fun.
I like Chaz. I think he has a great personality and is very open about his situation. You live once and if this is his REAL self than allow him to live as he feels he should. He is not a murderer or rapist. He is a good man. If there is a God at the end than he will deal with it. Live and Let Live.
@ Judy Goschnick - So you've read the Bible all the way through huh? I suppose you don't support a lot of things the bible condemns like divorce, tattoos, eating shellfish? Or maybe you think slavery "as okay" because the bible actually suggests it is? I suggest you don't pick and choose parts of the bible just because you as a person are uncomfortable with gays/lesbians/transgenders
All of you Chaz supporters do need to read the bible all the way through. I am not the judge but do not support what is going on with her/he! Won't watch the show this season.
Janet, you truly have no idea what sin is if you can attribute it to stealing and adultry. God also considers murder a sin. Would you consider homosexuality the same as murder. Absolutely ridiculous. It is sad that there are still people in our society that feel this way. That is not Christian behavior at all.
Thank you Kendyll. I just sstarted reading these posts and there are many of you that I commend for being kind, and not judging. There is no reason for it. Everyone needs someone to love and they need to know who they are. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", Do not judge.
I agree diane
How many comedians have made fun of Jews and Christians or blacks and never got called out for it? It's time to be fair and just attack everyone who disagrees with everyone else. Grow up. Not defending the religious zealots but some LGBT are just as bigoted. Distraction politics at its best. Chaz is still Chasity to many of us. I think these people ave serious mental issues not being addressed becuase that would considered bigoted. Talking about being concerned with our home how come so many are posting on the internet like Nia Imami Fields? Don't call the kettle black.
@ Karen Magnum Rochelle No, if you cut your nose you would not be a squirrel, but rather your disfigured face would match your hideous soul.
I don't want to stoop to the same level as the Bible thumping *deleted*, so all I will say is that I'm disappointed in some of these posts. People are people and it doesn't matter if they are gay, straight, bi, or transgender. Everyone should be treated the same. End. Of. Story.