Anderson Cooper Comes Out Publicly

After much speculation and even more debate on whether or not someone in the public eye has the responsibility to discuss their sexual orientation, or “come out” publicly, Anderson Cooper speaking to the Daily Beast has made the decision to discuss his sexuality openly for the first time.

He resisted the big People magazine announcement and instead decided to discuss this part of his life in an email surrounded by notes of his accomplishments as a journalist, and with the stoic regard of someone who doesn’t take his position lightly, and also isn’t ashamed of who he is. For him it seems it was more about retaining his privacy. One of the more resonant parts of the email is this statement, “I love, and I am loved.”

Here is an excerpt. You can read the entire email here in Andrew Sullivan’s post, Anderson Cooper: “The Fact Is, I’m 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.

Hat-tip to commenter MattyMcboy for the early scoop!

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