Cher Speaks Out Over Chastity's Sex Change

Chastity Bono, whose father was Cher's late ex-husband Sonny Bono, announced her homosexuality in a magazine interview in 1995 and has now confirmed she plans to undergo surgery to become a man.

Bono, now known as Chaz, began the lengthy process to change genders after celebrating her 40th birthday in March (09) and her friends and family have already started referring to her as a 'he'.

And now Bono's famous mother has spoken about the life-changing news - insisting that even though she doesn't fully comprehend it, she will respect her daughter's decision.

In a statement, she says, "Chaz is embarking on a difficult journey, but one that I will support. I respect the courage it takes to go through this transition in the glare of public scrutiny, and although I may not understand, I will strive to be understanding. The one thing that will never change is my abiding love for my child."