By Nicholas Snow

At deadline for the first edition of my column for the Florida Agenda, both Chaz Bono and Carson Kressley have made it past week one on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), and I fully predict they will each make it past week two as well. I also foresee one big GLAAD award for the show that is putting the “T” in LGBTQ visibility like never before. But do fans and followers of the show worldwide agree about the historic nature of the program? I asked my own followers on Facebook as well as fans of the official DWTS page for their perspectives.

Robert Whitaker of Newport, Rhode Island, responded, “I believe that we have to embrace others that may appear to be different from ourselves as it is our differences that make us truly beautiful inside and out! Chaz has more courage, grace and dignity than many of the people who have issues with him on DWTS! He is all man where it counts in his heart and soul.   He’s a gem and a gentleman!”

One detractor who I don’t believe wants to be named expressed, “If I say that I do not like it — and I do have a right to say and feel that way just as you have a right to feel the way you feel about it — will you take what I say as just a person who has a right to feel and say that I don’t like it, or will you just take what I say and say that I am wrong and fight with me about it. Am I right?” No, he isn’t.
Sindy Rose believes that “Chaz has tremendous courage and is a source of inspiration,” adding that “a small and vocal group hasn’t stopped him. I am in awe of him.”

Arlene Deane said, “I would like to congratulate these men for the courage it takes just to be themselves every day. I may not exactly understand them and their feelings but I know their lives can’t be easy because of other peoples’ fear and prejudices. I commend both of them as I do all of our armed forces. Courageous is what they all are and we should be inspired to be ourselves and stand up and fight for that freedom!”

Michele Marchesa of Cinnaminson, New Jersey expressed, “Many celebs that have appeared on DWTS have been in trouble with the law. You would think that would upset people. No, all this furor is over Chaz Bono because he had a sex change. For example, Tom Delay violated campaign finance laws; Macy Gray — DUI; Aaron Carter, Michael Irvin and Louie Vito — possession; Kelly Osbourne — bar fight; Lil Kim — perjury; Brandy —reckless driving; David Hasselhoff is a fall down drunk and Lawrence Taylor was caught with an underage prostitute. But to some of these idiots … Chaz Bono on DWTS is the worst thing that ever happened.”

Michelle Cvitkovic insightfully responded, “Why are they history-making appearances? Billy Tipton’s wife and kids didn’t know he was transgendered until he died. Liberace was famous before Carson was born. Paul Lind and Charles Nelson Reilly were mainstays on television in the 60′s and 70′s. When an out and proud gay man is partnered with a man, and an out and proud lesbian is partnered with a woman, then we’ll see history-making appearances. Someone’s already said that Carson was happy to be paired with a female partner.

I’d still love it if he could dance one spotlight with a male partner. I can’t help but wonder if his performance would be even more magnetic.”

To Chaz on his Facebook page, Andrea Stephens-Grimmelsman of Cincinnati, Ohio, wrote, “I think you are pretty awesome — such a gentle soul and kind heart.  We need more people like you in the world.”

Mark Adamson of Inverell, New South Wales expressed, “Chaz, you are an amazing man. So brave! Have been a fan of your mum’s for most of my life. And to see you finally become the person you were born to be is inspiring. Much respect my friend.  Much respect.”

For me, Aizen-Choi C. Kym of Fort Wayne, Indiana answers the “is this history-making?” question best. “Thank you for being visible. Your courage gives me strength to continue my journey.”

I met Chastity Bono backstage at the L.A. Pride festival one year. She was very down to earth. Now, Chastity is history just as Chaz is making history, evolving the world’s consciousness.

Follow Nicholas Snow online at  www.Facebook.com/SnowbizNow, www.Twitter.com/SnowbizNow, and at www.SnowbizNow.com. Follow “The Power To Be Strong” HIV Testing/ Safer Sex Awareness Campaign at www.Facebook.com/PowerToBeStrong.