June 11, 2009, New York, NY - “Chaz Bono's decision to live his life authentically represents an important step forward, both for him personally and for all who are committed to advancing discussions about fairness and equality for transgender people," said Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "Coming out as transgender is an extremely personal decision and one that is never made lightly. We look forward to hearing Chaz's story in his own words in the future." “GLAAD encourages media outlets to cover this story accurately, and to avoid speculation about the details of Chaz’s story before he is ready to share them,” Giuliano added. The GLAAD Media Reference Guide urges media to use the name and pronoun preferred by the transgender person — in this case, referring to him as Chaz and using male pronouns. GLAAD also strongly urges media to avoid making assumptions about what medical decisions or steps Chaz Bono may or may not undertake as part of his transition. For additional information, including related guidelines from the Associated Press Stylebook, please visit the GLAAD Media Reference Guide at http://www.glaad.org/mrg and click on “Transgender Glossary of Terms” and “AP and Other Style Guides.”
About GLAADThe Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.
©2010 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation