Chaz Bono's 'Dancing with the Stars' Spot Bringing Out the Bigots

COMMENTARY | When I heard that Chaz Bono was going to be one of the cast members on the reality television show "Dancing with the Stars," it didn't occur to me that it would be so controversial. I was disheartened to read the comments about Bono made by so many people who show hatred and intolerance to others who are different than they are.

Typical of the viewers complaints, one wrote, "HUGE HUGE fan of this show since season two and eagerly await each season to get my dancing/entertainment 'fix'!! But when I heard that Chaz Bono was going to be on, I was sick. Not that I have anything personally again her/him, I just don't want that lifestyle choice continually flaunted in the media esp ABC."

It saddens me to think that there are so many people out there who think Bono and others like him simply made a "lifestyle choice." The ignorance is simply beyond belief. This is not a degenerate choice someone made. Do you really think people would put themselves through major surgery and go through all they have to endure because it is a choice?

People who are transgender are not evil sinners doomed to hell. They were born into a body that did not feel right to them, and many struggle for years trying to come to terms with who they are. I can only imagine how difficult and heart-wrenching it must be. These are human beings who are trying to make their brains and bodies physiologically connect.

Instead of making Bono's appearance on the show a reason to perpetuate ignorant views and hatred, maybe families could instead take the opportunity to teach their children that people of all types should be loved, not judged for being different. Wouldn't the world be just a little better for it?

In another complaint sent to ABC, the viewer states that she doesn't want to "risk the potential for dialogue about sex changes with her kids," and goes on to say her family is NOT tolerant.

Are we back in the dark ages again? Sometimes it feels that way. For one, Bono now looks decidedly male, and it is doubtful that his sex change is going to be discussed on the program. The focus on the program is dancing, not transgender issues. And even if it was discussed, why would someone be afraid of open communication with their children?

Just because you are honest with your children about the different type of people in the world does not mean they are going to suddenly decide they would like to become a different gender. Human beings are born this way, and there are even some who have both male and female organs when they come into this world. Are we so ignorant to say that these people are degenerates too?

Before judging people you deem unworthy, use the brain God gave you and really think about what you are saying. Then, just be glad that you didn't come into this world different than what most people consider "normal."