Anderson Cooper FINALLY Comes Out!

Posted by Kevin Farrell on Jul 2, 2012 in Inspirgaytion | 17 comments

Anderson Cooper has finally confirmed what we’ve all known all along. He is, and always has been, gay.

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 have always been very open and honest about this part of my life with my friends, my family, and my colleagues. In a perfect world, I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business, but I do think there is value in standing up and being counted. I’m not an activist, but I am a human being and I don’t give that up by being a journalist.

Welcome to the team, Coop!

Go read his entire inspirational reflection on sexuality, the necessity for visible gay role models, and the changing times we live in at The Daily Beast right now.

Did YOU believe this day would ever come?

http://www.facebook.com/marcia.woodbury.1 Marcia Woodbury

It’s a sad thing that this matters.

http://unicornbooty.com Unicorn Booty

We disagree. This is a wonderful thing. His honesty will made a big difference in many people’s lives.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=592796245 Trenton Flock

If I understand Marcia correctly, I believe she only meant that it is sad that his sexuality is an issue in the first place, that we are still SOOOO far from true equality, when no one bats an eye if you are gay and no one needs to know. As Cooper himself said in the Beast interview, as a journalist his sexuality should not be a factor in his interviews, but it might hinder his ability to do his job when people are hostile to LGBTQ people. I think he was justified in staying silent until now, but I am glad that he came out and said it, because–as he acknowledges–visibility is vital to winning true equality.
http://www.facebook.com/g.alex.fox Khai Fox

I’m just concerned that this is going to affect his ability to do his job in foreign countries where it may be a crime to be gay. It affects his safety. It might be selfish of us to ask him to come out for so many years knowing he could be at risk while working.

http://freeaudionetwork.wordpress.com/ secular1

Thanks Anderson. My wife and I have gay friends and your coming out will make a profound difference in their lives. You are yet another example that a gay person is just like all of us, a human being.
http://www.facebook.com/aimanley Anita Kassner Manley

YAY Anderson! Our kids need positive role models and you are the best!!!! Thanks for your honesty!!! Sincerely, Anita Manley, A PFLAG Mom who is proud of her gay son and her gay grandson.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1163700090 Matthew W. Keilman

I’ve always looked up to this man! If there is anyone that a young gay man needs to look up to we can only hope to turn out as well as Anderson Cooper.

Besides, who doesn’t love that silver FOX?!
DarthKitsune

I honestly thought He’d come out after doing a Barbara Walters style interview with Queen Latifah and her secret Wife on why they decided to come out. This is pretty exciting, but hello! But like Clay Aiken, Ricky Martin and Lance Bass; we already knew. Welcome to the team anyway, your fabulous gift basket (furnished by Andrew Christian) is on the way. Congrats!
JOE RAWLEY

Why the emphasis on FINALLY? Am I glad we have a good, upstanding role model? Yes. Is it any of my business who Anderson sleeps with? No. I’m just glad he did it on his own schedule, and not because somebody forced him out of the closet.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Grey-Diamond/1547664306 Grey Diamond

I know since I saw him.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Diego-Alexandro-Gomez/100000793362600 Diego Alexandro Gomez

Hey, good for him. I hope he can inspire young members of our community!
sarahdamerow

I see his point and think its an intelligent and well thought out statement.
jessyqueer

It’s funny in a way, I thought he’d already come out ages ago… Too bad I can’t recall if and where I learned that.

Well, anyway, congrats, Anderson!
http://www.facebook.com/skasper3 Shane Alan Kasper

Finally the Silver Fox comes out of the fox hole. Now, Anderson… when would you like to get married?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Royce-Earnest-Jr/515733979 Royce Earnest Jr

I’m glad Anderson came out. In a perfect world, a person’s sexuality wouldn’t matter, unfortunately, this world is far from perfect. So we need good role models like Anderson.
http://twitter.com/trentontrim Trenton Trim

you should have labelled this article NSFEC. I was eating cereal when I scrolled down, saw the Kool & The Gang vid and did a spittake of fruity pebbles on the screen. DAMN YOU UNICORN BOOTY
http://stitchinmysideregan.blogspot.com/ FullertonRegan

Yay for AC, but I do agree with the notion that he may be put even moreso in harms way due to coming out. UnicornBooty… ACTIVATE! Love to you Silver Fox!!! May you always be safe!!

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