The cast of Dancing with the Stars came out to support Chaz Bono at GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), where he received the Hero’s Award Friday night, according to Entertainment Weekly.
"To me [this distinction] is really meaningful because of the work they do with kids," Chaz said about receiving the award, from GLSEN, which has been helping to make schools safe for all students since the early 90’s.
"I work a lot with kids and so much of what's always in the back of my mind is about trying to reach young people so they don't have to wait until they're 40 years old before they can be who they truly are,” Chaz said.
Documentary filmmakers Renee Sotile and Mary Jo Godges of TraipsingThruFilms.com were on the red carpet at the GLSEN event and interviewed Chaz and a few of his cast mates.
Soccer star and cast mate Hope Solo praised Chaz for his bravery in being DWTS’s first transgender contestant. “I was a tomboy. I wasn’t the girliest of girls,” Hope said in an interview. “I think what Chaz is doing is admirable... Young people look up to Chaz, but so do adults and so do people like me.”
Chaz’s costar, LGBT ally Ricki Lake also lauded the author and activist for his breaking down barriers. “I think it’s on par with what Ellen (DeGeneres) did in the late 90’s. What she managed to do was change the way people think. I think he’s doing the same thing,” Ricki said. “I think he’s an inspiration and I’m thrilled to be dancing by his side.”
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