Chaz Bono asks judge to change name, gender

The Associated Press, Monday, March 29, 2010, 10:08am (PDT)

LOS ANGELES -- Chaz Bono is asking a judge to formally change his name and gender.

The 41-year-old writer, activist and reality-TV star, was born a girl to Sonny Bono and Cher. He filed a petition to change his name and gender last week.

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Bono's doctor filed a declaration with the court indicating he performed a gender-change operation last year.

Formerly called Chastity, Bono has called the gender change "the best decision I've ever made."

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The filing was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com.

A hearing on the petition is scheduled for May 6 in Santa Monica, California.

RELATED: Read what Chaz said about his gender change