is kind of misplaced , '' she said . `` Almost no transgender people ever have surgery . We do n't have any idea how many do . '' iReport.com : Do you have a transgender story ? An estimated one-quarter to one-half percent of the American population is transsexual , however , Keisling said . `` It 's sort of a general term that encompasses both or either a social transition or a medical transition . '' Keisling said she was unaware of the specifics in Bono 's case , but speaking generally , a transition means that he will now want to be `` known , seen , viewed '' as a male . `` The actual details depend on his needs and wants and his doctor 's needs and wants , '' she said . Bragman asked that the media `` respect Chaz 's privacy during this long process , as he will not be doing any interviews at this time . '' Now 40 , Bono as a little girl made regular appearances on her parents ' show , `` The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour . '' As an adult , he has been a
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chastity Bono , gay-rights activist and child of performer Cher and the late entertainer and politician Sonny Bono , is in the early stages of transitioning from a female to a male and will be known as Chaz , his spokesman said Thursday . Activist Chastity Bono is transitioning from female to male and will be known as Chaz . `` Chaz , after many years of consideration , has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity , '' Howard Bragman said in a written statement . `` He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones . It is Chaz 's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue , just as his ` coming out ' did nearly 20 years ago . '' Someone 's decision to transition does not necessarily mean they are undergoing gender reassignment surgery , and in many cases they do not , said Mara Keisling , executive director of the Washington-based National Center for Transgender Equality . `` The whole media fixation on surgery