Dancing With The Stars: 'Some Christians tell Their Children Not To Watch Chaz Bono'

On September 2, 2011, Fox News’ Dr. Keith Ablow wrote an article titled “Don’t let your kids watch Chaz Bono on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ In the article, Dr. Ablow points out that children who watch the transgendered, legally recognized male Chaz Bono dance on the show with a female partner, will become confused about their own sexuality and gender identity. In essence, Dr. Ablow states that children who watch Chaz Bono will be tempted to ponder the question that their personal problems may stem from the realization they are trapped in the wrong body. He also states that those who suffer from gender dysphoria (the clinical name for those who are at odds with the gender they were given at birth) should not be applauded. As Christian conservative groups have rallied against Dancing with the Stars, such as “One Million Moms” who have asked that Christians turn off the program due to Chaz Bono’s appearance, the question must be asked, “Are Christians bigots?”

First of all, it must be asked what children would be watching Dancing with the Stars and at the same time engaging in lengthy conversation about Chaz Bono’s genitalia to begin with. The idea that those watching the program will be obsessed with Chaz’ appearance on the show seems a bit dramatic and one that parents could easily curtail, by simply not discussing with their children that Chaz was born as Chastity. As for arguments that ‘DWTS’ is promoting a homosexual agenda, (as was addressed in a statement by ABC producer Conrad Green it would appear that is false as openly gay designer, author and LGBT advocate,Carson Kressley will appear on the show and will dance with a woman. If the show were truly advocating gay rights and equality, Kressley would have been paired with another man.

As Christians worldwide see laws changing regarding homosexuality, the question must be asked whether or not Christians are moving in the right direction. There are more gays and lesbians who aren’t just coming out of the closet, but blow the confining space to smithereens as they demand equality and their fair share of the American dream. The definition of bigotry is someone who refuses to open up their view of the world to make room for those that are different. Bigotry comes in many shapes and forms and can extend from race and politics to sexual orientation as well as religion.

What might be more telling, is that as more gays and lesbians have appeared on DWTS, (Margaret Cho); we haven’t seen the LGBT community demand that viewers stop watching because Christians are making an appearance. Additionally, we haven’t seen Atheists call for a boycott because Nancy Grace or Chynna Phillips will be on the show.

If children watch Dancing with the Stars and are consumed with the fact that Chaz Bono has underwent sexual reassignment surgery, then the question must be asked, “Who told them?” If they are so young and impressionable that Dr. Ablow’s fears will come to pass, then maybe they are too young to be exposed to such topics to begin with and shouldn’t be included in discussions about gender dysphoria, and probably shouldn’t be watching Dancing with the Stars to begin with, as it is most likely past their bedtime.

Studies show that those with gender dysphoria have felt that way since childhood, so it may be possible that exposure to the topic won’t necessarily “create” gender dysphoria in young children, but rather give them reason to identify what they are already feeling. Additionally, research shows that it is best to diagnose gender identity disorder earlier rather than later.

Either way, the question remains, “Are Christians bigots and is it time for the Christian community, to open their minds to the reality that not everyone in the nation thinks, worships, prays or lives the same way they do, and though that may make them different in religious views, it doesn’t strip away their rights as U.S. citizens.

Where the Christian church is supposed to be an example of compassion, mercy, grace and love it can only be stated that there is undoubtedly pain and hurt being hurled on the LGBT community as a whole and particularly on Chaz Bono right now. What’s worse, is it is those who are to represent the love and compassion of Jesus Christ who are at the helm.

It’s time for Christians to recognize that this nation is shared amongst many faiths, and the freedom that allows Christians to practice their religion freely also allows those of other faiths the same privileges.

It’s time for the Christian community to recognize that their behavior hurts those in the LGBT community, and it is better to err on the side of love and compassion than it is to err on the side of hatred and bigotry.

Charisse Van Horn
Examiner...
http://www.actup.org