Chaz Bono -- formerly known to most of us as Chastity Bono, the lesbian writer, activist and daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono -- has courageously announced that he in the process of transitioning from female to male. That beacon of journalistic fierceness, TMZ, broke the news today, with a statement from gay uber-publicist Howard Bragman.

Quoth Bragman via TMZ: "Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. 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."

Evidently, Chaz isn't planning any personal statements about his "coming out" as trans anytime soon, but maybe we can hope for a fantastic and powerfully trans-positive and enlightening Oprah episode in the near future, eh?

No word from Cher yet, but let's hope the legendary showbiz icon responds more positively than she years ago did when her daughter (who's long been known to friends and people close to her as "Chaz") came out as a lesbian. When that happened, Cher admits she "flipped out" and was not immediately supportive. Do we think Cher will issue a statement soon?

Chaz with Cher in 1998; and as a toddler with Sonny & Cher.

Either way, it's great to see Chaz stepping out and making the issues faced by trans people more visible on a national level. GLAAD and the folks at HRC have issued press releases (as they're wont to do) commending Bono's courage.

Expect more soon! Bravo, Chaz!