Chaz Bono asks judge to change gender

LOS ANGELES, CA The 41-year-old writer, activist and reality-TV star, was born a girl to Sonny Bono and Cher. He filed a petition to change his name and gender last week.

Bono's doctor filed a declaration with the court indicating he performed a gender-change operation last year. Formerly called Chastity, Bono has called the gender change "the best decision I've ever made."

The filing was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com. A hearing on the petition is scheduled for May 6 in Santa Monica, Calif.