Anderson Cooper comes out

CNN journalist and presenter Anderson Cooper has come out as gay in a letter written to The Daily Beast.

“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,” he wrote.

“I have always been very open and honest about this part of my life with my friends, my family, and my colleagues,” he continues. “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.

“Being a journalist, traveling to remote places, trying to understand people from all walks of life, telling their stories, has been the greatest joy of my professional career, and I hope to continue doing it for a long time to come. But while I feel very blessed to have had so many opportunities as a journalist, I am also blessed far beyond having a great career.

“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.”

“But I do think visibility is important, more important than preserving my reporter’s shield of privacy.”

Neil Patrick Harris, who is openly gay, tweeted in response: “Good for you, @Anderson Cooper. You’re awesome.”

Actor Michael McKean wrote, “Anderson Cooper helps us move ‘what shouldn’t matter’ closer to ‘what doesn’t matter,'” adding the hashtag #someday.

“So proud of you @andersoncooper. Always have been, always will be,” said Cooper’s friend Kelly Ripa, with whom he’s co-hosted Live With Kelly.

Quoting Cooper, actress-activist Mia Farrow posted: “In a perfect world, I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business.”

Marlee Matlin followed suit with: “There is value in standing up & being counted.”

Source: Hollywood Reporter, The Daily Beast