Chastity Bono is having a sex change to become a man.

Bono, born a girl to Sonny and Cher, "has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity" and began the sex-change process earlier this year, according to a spokesman. Publicist Howard Bragman said Bono hopes "that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue."

The 40-year-old writer, activist and reality-TV star came out as gay 20 years ago.

STUDENTS GET PRIVATE KANYE WEST CONCERT

Hip-hop artist Kanye West returned to his hometown yesterday to thunderous applause and 3,000 teens chanting his name at a private concert for Chicago students who had improved their grades and attendance.

The event was put on by the nonprofit Kanye West Foundation, which works to decrease dropout rates and was co-founded by his mother, Donda West, an educator who died in 2007.

Before the concert began, Kanye West said he sees his mother's "dream coming true." The Grammy Award winner acknowledged that they didn't always agree, noting she wasn't fond of his first album's title, 2004's "College Dropout." His three later albums reached platinum status.

CAUSE OF CARRADINE'S DEATH STILL UNCLEAR

Dr. Michael Baden, a forensics expert hired by David Carradine's family, has concluded that the "Kung Fu" actor did not commit suicide, but Baden said more information is needed from Thai investigators before the cause of death could be determined.

Carradine's brothers, Keith and Robert Carradine, each read part of a prepared statement to reporters at a Los Angeles hotel yesterday morning. In their first appearance since their older brother was found hanging in a Bangkok hotel room closet last week, they thanked supporters and asked for privacy.

There is speculation that Carradine's death June 4 came from engaging in a dangerous sex practice called auto-erotic asphyxiation.

BON JOVI DROPS BY TO ADVISE WHITE HOUSE

You never know who might pop up at the Obama White House. Yesterday's guest? Jon Bon Jovi.

The rock star came to have lunch and share ideas with David Axelrod, a senior adviser to President Obama. Bon Jovi and Axelrod discussed the president's efforts to encourage community service, an interest the musician shares, the White House said.

Bon Jovi helped out Obama during the presidential campaign. In September, Bon Jovi and his wife hosted more than 100 people for dinner on their mansion lawn in New Jersey to raise money for Obama and the Democratic National Committee. Obama attended and spoke briefly.