Cher 'supports' sex-change son

Cher says she is trying to understand the decision

Veteran pop star Cher has vowed to "support" her daughter, who recently revealed she had undergone a sex change to become a man.

In a statement released to US magazine People, Cher said her son Chaz Bono - formerly known as Chastity - was "embarking on a difficult journey".

The 63-year-old singer added: "Although I may not understand, I will strive to be understanding."

Chaz - who recently turned 40 - is also the son of the late Sonny Bono.

'Thick and thin'

"Chaz is embarking on a difficult journey, but one that I will support," Cher said.

"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."

Before her sex change, Chastity wrote a book claiming her mother fell out with her on learning she was a lesbian.

However, the pair reconciled their relationship shortly after.

Chaz's stepmother - congresswoman Mary Bono Mack - has also commented on his sex change operation.

"Chaz has always been a loving and important part of our family who has supported us all through thick and thin," she said.

"This is a very difficult decision that Chaz has fully vetted, and over the past decade, has discussed the matter thoroughly and consulted therapists and medical experts.

"As he moves forward, I will be there to support him and love him every step of the way."