The child of two entertainment legends, Chaz Bono has been given an incredible, unique platform to express himself and pave the way for a new generation of advocacy and tolerance. As an LGBTQ rights activist, author, lecturer and transgender issues advocate, Chaz Bono has been chosen to headline the Fourth Annual Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade as Grand Marshal. He recently spoke with Mark’s List about his role as Grand Marshal, how his life has changed, missing a father figure, Hollywood and his upcoming projects.  

You’ve been chosen as Grand Marshal for Miami Beach Gay Pride. Is this a great honor? 

Yes, I’m going to be down in Florida doing some speaking engagements and also acting as Grand Marshal for Miami Beach Gay Pride. This will be the first time for me as Grand Marshal in the state of Florida. 

After an event like this, what do you do in your down time? 

I’m not really a bar person, but if I have time I would love to go the beach.  I like warm water that you can see through.  

What has changed the most about your life in the last few years? 

The comfort level I feel now is probably the greatest thing. I had no idea how uncomfortable I was before.  I’m struck by how much more confident I feel and how much easier everyday life is.  I’m just really happy. 

What do you think of when you see pictures of yourself when you were younger? Do you miss anything about being Chastity? 

No, because I never was Chastity.  That’s who everyone else thought I was.  

Growing up in the limelight of Sonny and Cher, do you have any regrets about not transitioning earlier, or do you think it happened exactly when it was supposed to?  

Both. I went through a period of mourning the fact that I didn’t get to live my life as a man when I was younger. On the hand, I totally believe it happened when it was supposed to.  I wasn’t strong enough to handle it earlier and also dealing with the public’s reaction to it.  I had to grow up and get more confident and not worry about what anyone else thought. 

Do you wish that your father would have been able to see you as the person you are now? 

Definitely. My dad [Sonny Bono] was always really accepting of who I was growing up.  He never tried to change me or get me to express myself any differently.  It would be nice to have a man or a father figure in my life. 

You’ve participated in reality television and other shows in the last few years.  Do you think Hollywood is starting to become more accepting of the LGBTQ community? 

I would definitely say we have seen a lot of headway in the last few years with lesbians and gays. For the transgender community, we are just starting to make some progress and people are starting to understand. 

LGBTQ advocacy is an important part of what you’re about. What is your advice to someone who is battling what you went through? 

It’s really impossible for me to give general advice, because everyone’s circumstances are different. The only thing I can say is to follow your heart. 

What else is on the horizon as we move forward in 2012? 

My latest book is coming out in paperback in May, and I’ve added another full chapter to it.  I have a few television projects in the works, but we can't talk too much about that yet. It should be a great year.

More about Miami Beach Gay Pride