Chaz Bono
Gossip

Jennifer Elia, the girlfriend of Chaz Bono, was completely supportive of her partner's decision to undergo a sex change operation and become a man.

Quite the display of strength and quite the departure from the countless celebrity relationships we've talked about that fizzle out over minute details.

Chaz Bono says his gender reassignment surgery allows the two to physically have what they've always had emotionally: a heterosexual relationship.

"She's been amazing," Bono, who underwent the operation this summer, told ET.

"I really feel so grateful to be going through this with a partner."

Chaz Bono's operation by no means caught Jennifer Elia off guard.

She knew his intention to do this from the start, Bono says: "I didn't just spring this on Jennifer recently. This was something she knew about shortly after we met. Our relationship always modeled a heterosexual relationship."

"This was true emotionally and intellectually. Now it is physically as well."

Chaz Bono, whose voice is drastically lower and has been shaving once a week now, says he feels relieved, as in his mind, he's always been a male.

"I feel like I'm living in my body for the first time, and it feels really good," said the child of Cher, who was also supportive of Chaz's sex change.

"The one thing that will never change is my abiding love for my child," she said.

Click here for more Chaz Bono pictures.

Chastity Bono, civil rights advocate, journalist, author, musician, and the daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono, is in the early stages of changing her gender.

She will be transitioning from female to male, having already started the sex change process earlier this year, shortly after celebrating her 40th birthday.

Known to family and friends as Chaz, Chastity Bono came out as a lesbian two decades ago. Now she's undergoing bold, gender reassignment treatment.

The star's publicist, Howard Bragman, confirmed the news and issued the following statement, already referring to Chastity Bono with a different pronoun:

"Yes, it's true. Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones."

"It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his 'coming out' did nearly 20 years ago."

"We ask that the media respect Chaz's privacy during this long process as he will not be doing any interviews at this time."

Bragman declined to answer specific questions about the sex change process, which typically involves hormone therapy, and sometimes - but not always - surgery.

Here's wishing Chaz nothing the best in this endeavor.