The upcoming season of "Dancing With the Stars" hasn't even started yet, and there's already controversy spinning in cyber world.
The controversy centers around Chaz Bono. Many people remember Chaz as Chastity, the daughter of superstars Sonny and Cher. In recent years, Bono revealed to the world that he was transgender and legally took steps to change gender and name.
Now, some are outraged by ABC's decision to include Bono in the "Dancing" cast, saying young children shouldn't be exposed to such confusing sexual issues. In this recent article on FOXNews.com, Dr. Keith Ablow calls Bono a "disordered person," urging parents not to let their children watch him dance.
In the article, he writes, "The last thing vulnerable children and adolescents need, as they wrestle with the normal process of establishing their identities, is to watch a captive crowd in a studio audience applaud on cue for someone whose search for an identity...It is a toxic and unnecessary byproduct of the tragic celebration of transgender surgery that millions of young people who do watch "Dancing with the Stars" will have to ponder this question: Maybe my problems really stem from the fact that I'm a girl inside a boy's body (or a boy inside a girls body)."
In his article, Dr. Ablow acknowledges his statements are, "...sure to cost me a lot of hate mail." But he stands by his thoughts saying, "...if you care about your kids, don't let them watch..."
Dr. Ablow isn't the only one speaking out against Bono's participation on the show. OneMillionMoms.com, an online Christian organization, has launched a campaign, trying to get ABC to remove Bono and gay fashion expert Carson Kressley from the line-up.
On the website, viewers are encouraged to write ABC in protest, saying, "This is completely unacceptable and Christians should not watch the show, no excuses!"
It comes as a new campaign springs up in support of Bono. "To me, it's ridiculous," said Lacey Schwimmer, Bono's Dancing partner. "He's just like everybody else. People just need to let him be happy and dance on a little TV show. It's not a big deal you know."
Gloria Allred, a victim's rights attorney, is also speaking out in Bono's defense. "I just think it's outrageous that some people who may not be as well educated as they should be are calling out for children not to watch Dancing With the Stars. In response to that, we are having national viewing parties."
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is also coming out in support of Bono, saying "At a time when transgender representation in the media is sorely lacking, Chaz Bono joining the cast of a series like Dancing With the Stars is a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are an important part of the fabric of American culture."
As for Bono, he's steering clear of the controversy, saying when the competition begins, he'll be focusing on dancing.
As you might expect, this story is causing quite a stir online. Here's what some people are saying:
"Geez. These "Christian" mothers make me sick. I'm a Christian, and my God told me to love EVERYONE as I would, myself."
"I will def not be watching this season of DWTS. It is a DISGRACE to see chaz on...lets all Boycott ABC and show them we will Not watch if they allow chaz to continue."
"isnt the show about dancing?..."
What do you think about the controversy? Is ABC's casting of Bono a step forward for transgender Americans? Do you support calls for a boycott? Will you watch the show this season? Leave your thoughts below.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.
