Anderson Cooper Comes Out of the Closet: “The Fact Is, I’m Gay”
Anderson Cooper’s gayness has been an “open secret” for years, but the famed CNN anchor has officially gone on record as being out of the closet, which is still a great thing.
Anderson Cooper, for a very long time, was believed to have stayed closeted not because he was ashamed of his sexuality or afraid it would impact his image, but rather for concern that speculation on his personal life would distract from the “story,” the story being the news he preferred to report upon and not star in.
But Cooper was spotted around New York with the man thought to be his partner, Ben Maisani, and local rags like the New York Post and Gawker often insinuated quite heavily that the anchor and the bar owner were an item.
Still, Cooper didn’t rise to any of the bait, keeping much of his personal life under wraps — to the degree it was possible to when your mom is Gloria Vanderbilt. But pal and fellow media gay Andrew Sullivan was recently corresponding with Cooper about a story in Entertainment Weekly focusing on public figures being quietly gay, and Cooper finally says in plain English that yes, he is indeed a gay.
The email over at Andrew Sullivan’s site is long but worth reading, and in it, Cooper explains:
“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.”
The CNN host continues:
“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.”
Finally, Anderson Cooper comes out, saying simply:
“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.”
You can read Anderson Cooper’s full letter to Andrew Sullivan in the link to the left.
Tags : anderson cooper, anderson cooper comes out, anderson cooper gay, andrew sullivan
Posted: July 2, 2012
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Jul 2, 2012
I knew it….knew it….so good for him…have a happy life..Mr. Cooper
Jul 2, 2012
And I still LOVE Him! Makes me love him even more for being himself, happy and comfortable in his skin!
Jul 2, 2012
Good for you Anderson! And your boyfriend is cute! You make a very nice looking couple.
Jul 2, 2012
to each his own, people may say certain things are acceptable but in reality they not and bizzare, yeah good for him and have a happy life….oh don't forget your aids check up every 6 months.
Jul 2, 2012
I love Anderson. He is professional and knows how to challenge someone without being rude about it. Who cares if he's gay. His bf is kinda cute. LOL
Jul 2, 2012
I am not gay, but have many friends that are gay. I believe that everyone should be happy and love who they wish to love. I am happy for Anderson Cooper. I love his show as it has not become a crazy show that many other talk show have become. He is indeed a great reporter and talk show host.
Jul 2, 2012
I am not gay, but have many friends that are gay. I believe that everyone should be happy and love who they wish to love. I am happy for Anderson Cooper. I love his show as it has not become a crazy show that many other talk show have become. He is indeed a great reporter and talk show host.
Jul 2, 2012
Should not have any bearing on his professionalism! He is who he is!
Jul 2, 2012
Do you get checked every 6 months you don't have to be gay to get infected…IJS
Jul 2, 2012
He is and always will be the best news man. His personal life is his. I only care about his professional life. I never knew he was Gloria Vanderbilt's son.
Jul 2, 2012
Love Anderson, always have and always will.
Jul 2, 2012
Love Anderson, always have and always will.
Jul 2, 2012
There are more things to think about then him being Gay, so Whay its his live…….
Jul 2, 2012
thats none your business, lol, free forum
Jul 2, 2012
So what, surprise,surprise. He has the right to be what ever. Who cares? I don't. I still like him. Anderson is sooo cute and a wonderful reporter. I have been a fan of Anderson's for years and will continue
to do so.
Jul 2, 2012
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Jul 2, 2012
Who cares if he's Gay or not. He's a good reporter.
Jul 2, 2012
yes anderson–most of us have known that for 100 years…
Jul 2, 2012
Anderson is a "CLASS ACT" and one of the best newsmen and interviewers on TV today. I bet Gloria is extremely proud of him for all of his accomplishments and for the kind of man he is. I never miss his shows….I'm a huge fan. All I care about as far as his personal life goes, is that he's happy.
Jul 2, 2012
Not surprised..enjoy your life cooper.
Jul 3, 2012
Is there anyone who did not know this…nobody cares who Anderson Cooper is doing…..just report the damn news!!!
Jul 3, 2012
You should live your life as you like and want, is not important to satisfy others but more importantly to be happy and proud of yourself first? My sexual life does not mean I'm not a perfect one.. Gender is not a basis to become a better person.
Jul 3, 2012
Poof….
Jul 3, 2012
Why is this news? I can't understand why someone's sexual orientation is deemed newsworthy. Very stupid.
Jul 3, 2012
So happy for you Anderson! You rock! Doesn't matter if you''re gay! Everyone here still loves you!
Jul 6, 2012
Stephen Broker Yep, I knew and didn't care. I've always liked and admired him.
Jul 6, 2012
Yes, he is Gloria's son, and he had a rather rough childhood. His brother committed suicide right in front of him by jumping out of the apartment window in New York City. I really like Anderson a lot and have known he was gay for many years. It doesn't matter to me one bit.
Jul 6, 2012
The posts here have been so nice and positive. It gives me hope! LOL
Jul 7, 2012
I have never understood why the sexual preference, color of the skin, or religion should make any difference. All I want to know is are they a good person inside. If they are that should be the only thing any one cares about.
Jul 9, 2012
People think being rich is easy but it also has it's ups and downs. Didn't know about his brother. That's sad. I wonder if he committed suicide because he was gay also? I hope not. It's taken me a long time to accept it but times are changing and we have to change with them. God created all of us. I hate when people say He hates gays. We are ALL His children.
Jul 10, 2012
Should NEWS People, like judges, recluse themselves when the story involves them personally? Should they be required to give a disclaimer? Or in the case of Anderson Cooper, should the viewer know or expect a certain slant of the news because of his sexual preference? I'm happy to officially hear that Cooper is out of the closet, because it supports my suspicions in the way he slanted many of the stories he covered. The bigger NEWS flash would be if Cooper is proud enough to tell us if he is the dominant or submissive one or if he likes them young. Could it be that his sexual confusion is caused by the fact Hormone-Mimics in plastic water bottles act as Functional Estrogens? Is Cooper actually a product of drinking too much bottled water?