Chaz Bono was the latest celebrity to exit America's Dancing
with the Stars, this week.
The 42 year-old was voted off the series after a number of
successful rounds, which marked the first time a transgender person
took part in the high-profile contest.
Speaking to the show's host about his departure, Bono said: "I
came on this show because I wanted to show America a different kind
of man.
"I know that if there was somebody like me on TV when I was
growing up, my whole life would've been different, and so I dedcate
all the work I did to people out there like me - especially the
kids and teens who are struggling."
He added: "You can have a wonderful, great life and be
successful and happy".
Shortly after his exit,the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation - the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
media advocacy/anti-defamation group - issued resources for media
reporting on Chaz's exit to improve public awareness of America's
transgender community.
They did the same when he was originally cast, because his
participation sparked so much media debate.
"Americans expect to see the diversity of our country
represented on TV and that includes transgender people," said
Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs at GLAAD.
"When it is still legal in 35 states to fire a transgender
person solely because they are transgender, visibility and
education are key to growing understanding and acceptance."
