After years of speculation, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper has come out — “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.”
Cooper’s announcement came in the form of an email to friend Andrew Sullivan, a columnist for the Daily Beast, with permission to post.
Sullivan, who is gay, asked Cooper for his thoughts on an emerging trend of high-profile figures coming out in under-stated ways, and suggested that people put their sexuality “on the record” to set an example for others, including bullied gay kids.
Anderson Cooper
“We still have pastors calling for the death of gay people, bullying incidents and suicides among gay kids, and one major political party dedicated to ending the basic civil right to marry the person you love,” Sullivan said. “The visibility of gay people is one of the core means for our equality.”
In response, Sullivan received this email:
Andrew, as you know, the issue you raise is one that I’ve thought about for years.
Even though my job puts me in the public eye, I have tried to maintain some level of privacy in my life. Part of that has been for purely personal reasons. I think most people want some privacy for themselves and the people they are close to.
[...]
Recently, however, I’ve begun to consider whether the unintended outcomes of maintaining my privacy outweigh personal and professional principle. It’s become clear to me that by remaining silent on certain aspects of my personal life for so long, I have given some the mistaken impression that I am trying to hide something – something that makes me uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid. This is distressing because it is simply not true.
I’ve also been reminded recently that while as a society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible. There continue to be far too many incidences of bullying of young people, as well as discrimination and violence against people of all ages, based on their sexual orientation, and I believe there is value in making clear where I stand.
The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.
[...]
I love, and I am loved.
In my opinion, the ability to love another person is one of God’s greatest gifts, and I thank God every day for enabling me to give and share love with the people in my life.
Full story, The Daily Beast →
A representative for Cooper, who was out of the country on assignment Monday, confirmed that the email was authentic, reported Reuters.
The announcement makes Cooper, 45, host of CNN’s nightly “Anderson Cooper 360″ and the syndicated daytime talk show, “Anderson,” the most high profile openly gay news anchor on television.
Last year, CNN’s Don Lemon and ABC News’ Dan Kloeffler also announced they are gay.
Other prominent gay and lesbian newscasters include MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, HLN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell, and MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts.
Filed under: Newsmakers, People
Florida teen fighting criminal charges related to same-sex relationship
Wash. florist who refused flowers for gay couple’s wedding files suit against state
Texas judge enforces ‘morality clause’ to split up lesbian couple
Catholic school: Transgender student must wear girl’s graduation gown
Another Ore. bakery refuses to provide wedding cake for same-sex couple
Matt Barber tweets homophobic cartoon of gay man tricking Boy Scout into sex
UPDATED: Police call fatal New York City shooting an anti-gay hate crime
Iowa anti-gay activist explains his opposition to gay marriage: ‘It’s awful’
Details emerge in case against teen accused of lewd behavior with girlfriend
Parents sue S.C. hospital over child’s gender assignment surgery
Scottish cardinal to atone for sexual misconduct with younger clergy
BREAKING: Minn. governor signs marriage equality bill — ‘Love is the law’
BREAKING: French president signs marriage equality bill into law
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
Pa. school still refuses to announce transgender grad by his chosen name
Finally, Cooper you shared with the World. A+ for you :)
be proud of WHO YOU ARE
I KNEW IT! Love him even more now!!!
Good for you, your awesome!
…and in other news, healthcare was upheld. A happy week for all.
Everyone in their own time… don’t fault him for taking so long to make it official.
I think we all knew that..but either way, you are totally sexy and smart as heck.
Marry ME!!!
Let me check…yep…still don’t care. Not sure why this matters to some people.
John Hargrave you may have a fight on your hands. LOL
Good for you Anderson do it when you feel ready!!!! love it.:)
*Cries* Now I definitely don’t have a shot!
Now you can be happy! And your real self
I’m proud of Anderson this was his decision and being gay is wonderful and it does make us feel proud.
YES! Anderson and Rachel….go get ‘em. I feel much better with these two political savy icons out there speaking up for me.
Like we didn’t now this Aderson.. Its always good when you come out no matter what age. Clad you came aboard…
Now are we awaiting Bill O’Reilly’s coming out?
No kidding… It’s about time he came out.
Took him long enough!
He’s admirable.
I am full of gratitude to Anderson for doing this!
Well DUH!
It’s kind of sad really when someone has to publicly announce their sexual orientation to the world, because it’s really no ones business. I’ll be happy when everyone is treated equally and there’s no need for any of this anymore.
:)
THIS is NEWS???
What’s wrong with a gay reporter? I think he’s great at whatever he does. Plus, his mother is Gloria Vanderbilt which makes him so much better.
I don’t think it was a well kept secret…who didn’ know????
Bout time he came out of the glass closet!
Congratulations! You’re free now!
Go chooper
it want a secret…..he confirmed a LONG time ago!
Some people are so ignorant. Unless you are gay its easy for people to say “why does this have to be publicly announced”. We as humans are quick to judge and voice our opinions when in reality they should keep their mouths shut until they are in those very shoes they are talking about. Keep your opinions to yourselves until you are ready to become less ignorant!!!!!
….Am I the only one that did not suspect this? o.O
Proud of you Mr.Cooper:o)
Bravo Anderson
There really wasn’t much doubt, but it is nice that he confirmed it in such a casual no-drama way.
I thought he had come out a long time ago??? When he was first hosting The Mole…
I LOVE Anderson!!!
what a beautiful soul thanks for you amazing work Anderson =}
@Heather Rose–why do you assume I’m not gay? You are right about one thing, humans are quick to judge.
“We still have pastors calling for the death of gay people, bullying incidents and suicides among gay kids, and one major political party dedicated to ending the basic civil right to marry the person you love,” Sullivan said. “The visibility of gay people is one of the core means for our equality.”
U r u…fact u came out dosent matter ur still a wonderful careing person!!!
Like…we didn’t already KNOW that???
So some gutless creep can’t answer the question
welcome to the Family Anderson. Proud of you for coming out publicly.
Why can’t you answer, something to hide or just can’t???
We love you Anderson, Bravo!
Another good catch confirmed off the market! JUST KIDDING!
he will always be HOT for me!
I thought everyone knew this and it just didn’t matter
Woo! {claps} Not news but still, bravo love!
Tyson, would you please read Romans chapter 1 verses 24-27 in your Bible as well as Leviticus chapter 18 versus 22-23. Hopefully you will understand God’s view on homosexuality.
OMG HES GAY?!
Duh.
It’s sad that people have to announce it…..
yawn….its like rachel madcow coming out.
I’m shocked. Not that he’s gay… everyone already knew and that his boyfriend owns a bar….. but I thought he’d been out for some time.
Cooper’s so cute lol. :)
This is news how? O.o
Yeahhh…I had people all excitedly telling me about this. But I thought this became public knowledge like two years ago?
they don’t have to. no one pushes people to come out. just be yourself.
Isn’t this old news?
lol cnn had a drop in ratings they had to announce this like noone knew already….lol smh
Thought he came out several years ago!
I totally support his choice of going public.. but I honestly thought he was already out.
i would have been more surprised if he came out straight
Love Anderson, My fav.
In other news, grass is green and the sky is blue.
totally love love love him! <3
I knew it!
ya think _ _ _ GAYDAR. Eh, okay was maybe 98% sextacy and 1% gaydar then 1% “shh just watch . . . ” (LOL)
old news! its no big secret but, i always thought he has to travel around the world, covering story’s in some places they hang Gays? Good for him.!! im gonna go in the closet, seems like all the cool , funny people are in there?? hahahaha
And it really doesn’t matter, that’s his business!
Whatta guy! :)
If it saves one life, then it was worth it!
Has everybody been under a ROCK???
So who is the smart “arse” that deleted my comments? can’t answer a little bit of truth? Still want a answer. What’s the connection with male faeces and male sperm????????????????????
i aways thought he s gays, so happy for him, bless you AC360.
Nice Job!
Ugh! Why am i only attracted to gay men!
Duh any person who could not figure this one out lives in a shell
i guess i live in a shell not 4 me to judge this man god did not put all on earth too judge other ppl
Go Anderson
Silver Fox <3
Yes! About time
Poor man to be hounded like that
duh, big deal…NOT..if he was truly proud then why did he wait so long?
Big Love and Hugs for ((( Anderson Cooper ))). Love this guy & now I know why!
Very good that not a big deal ok