Anderson Cooper: "The Fact Is, I'm Gay."

[kpete]

......................

I've always believed that who a reporter votes for, what religion they are, who they love, should not be something they have to discuss publicly. As long as a journalist shows fairness and honesty in his or her work, their private life shouldn't matter. I’ve stuck to those principles for my entire professional career, even when I’ve been directly asked “the gay question,” which happens occasionally. I did not address my sexual orientation in the memoir I wrote several years ago because it was a book focused on war, disasters, loss and survival. I didn't set out to write about other aspects of my life.

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.

more:
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/07/anderson-cooper-the-fact-is-im-gay.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+andrewsullivan%2FrApM+%28The+Daily+Dish%29

[SidDithers]

1. DU rec...nt

Sid

[Figaro78]

66. Does anyone still care?

For god's sake, is this still considered news? Except for the graduating class at West Point coming out as completely gay, I can't see why
anyone should be astonished by such a "revelation".

[Fearless]

73. Actually yes it "still" matters

Last edited Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:36 PM - Edit history (1)

There are 44 US states that do not accept marriage equality.

There are 19 states where LGBT people have absolutely no recognition at all. Never mind marriage.

Anderson Cooper, a 45 year old, has just felt comfortable enough to come out. Despite being an internationally known reporter who has been in the line of fire on multiple continents for over two decades. Who is decidedly secure in income, popularity, and success. Only now does he feel comfortable to do so.

What of the middle schooler who commits suicide because he or she doesn't think they will find acceptance in life, thinks they won't be happy, thinks that no one is there for them?

So yeah, it still fucking matters.

[robinlynne]

95. perfectly put.

[awoke_in_2003]

111. +1000. nt

[Figaro78]

114. Celebrity is what matters

The tizzy we're in over Cooper's admission relates more to our worship of celebrity than anything else. If someone's cousin from Peoria came out nobody would give a damn but ANDERSON COOPER? WOW! What a catch! He's someone who really matters and will convince the homophobes that it's A-OK. to be gay. Yeah, sure.

[Chorophyll]

116. The point. You're missing it.

Find something else to be outraged about. There's plenty.

[Fearless]

119. Out public figures play an irreplaceable role in helping our youth

Come to terms with who they are. Anderson Cooper has shown himself to be a respectful, upstanding member of the LGBT community.

This has nothing to do with anti-gay people. This has to do with LGBT people and providing a positive role model for them.

[Chemisse]

124. Exactly.

[robinlynne]

94. I still think its' cool.

[loyalsister]

118. Absolutely

An important aspect coming out is there is often not much heredity within families. People who are gay may have very supportive families but in some cases they are still the only minorities in their family.
Many youth particular are not fortunate enough to have positive role models who are gay. I think even people who are famous can have a positive impact.

[Vanje]

126. Coming out is a political act.

Where I live , most people think they dont know any gay people.
Certainly they do.


People who personally know gay people , tend to be for equal rights for gays.

Coming out publicly is an important political act.

I applaud Anderson Cooper.

[GarroHorus]

2. DU rec. n/t

[Firebrand Gary]

3. Du Rec n/t

[Ian David]

4. Good for Anderson, but that doesn't get him out of doing New Years Eve with Kathy Griffin. n/t

[grantcart]

7. snort.

[snooper2]

9. It's probably the only reason he does New Years with Kathy Griffin

LOL

[valerief]

45. Bwah! nt

[rocktivity]

53. DUzy candidate!

rocktivity

[xmas74]

80. His mom and Kathy will never allow him to stop.

Supposedly his mom loves watching the two of them on New Years Eve.

[Mira]

110. What, I wonder, would it take? It's excruciating

and I can only stand about 37 seconds of it.

[ceile]

5. K&R! n/t

[Liberal Veteran]

6. Wuh-wuh-WHAT???? I'm shocked!

Shocked I say!

[xtraxritical]

54. I expect there will be a book forth coming?

[yardwork]

8. Good for Anderson.

He's recognized that anti-gay bullying - including the institutionalized kind that includes laws against equal marriage and workplace protections - won't stop until everybody realizes that being gay is no big deal. In order to reach people, we have to be out.

I'm out professionally even though it has the potential to detract from my professional success due to the possibility of people being biased against me. I maintain the "no big deal" approach and carry on. I take the risk because people are killed for being gay and that must stop.

[iemitsu]

18. good for you yardwork.

in many ways it is more risky for a "regular joe" to out him/herself than it is for a celebrity. even without a job anderson will always have plenty.

[valerief]

47. Yep. He's a Vanderbilt! nt

[HiPointDem]

60. his family connections are *why* he has his job.

[iemitsu]

63. he may also be the CIA representative at CNN too.

[RKP5637]

32. Thank you!!! +++ 1,000,000 +++ n/t

[LaurenG]

10. Good for him. Yay!

[goclark]

12. Good for Anderson!

Great news ~ his voice is important!

[tawadi]

11. k&R

[Lifelong Protester]

13. K & R for honesty

Good for you for speaking up.

And see, Kathy Griffith says she's a favorite with gay guys...figures she'd spend New Year's Eve with him!!

[ProfessionalLeftist]

14. K & R n/t

[Iggo]

15. Yay, Anderson!!!

Now, about your talk show...

[Flatulo]

16. Good for Mr. Cooper. I've always enjoyed his show even tho' I know he's not very popular here. nt

[morningfog]

17. What a wonderful message. Recommend.

[nolabear]

19. I like Anderson. I hope this brings him only good things.

[Marrah_G]

20. I really like Anderson

I read his book a few years back and he really impressed me.

[tavalon]

21. The fact is, anyone with decent gaydar, already knew that

I don't intend to stop enjoying his tight black shirts. I could care less that he plays for the other team.

But then, that's not entirely true. It's good when famous people come out. I don't know what changed his mind and made him go public but it does help the cause.

Jodie, dear, take a page from Anderson's play book. No one is going to deny you roles. Heck, you might even get better roles.

[bluedigger]

23. My gaydar must be on the fritz.

I never picked up on it, not that I spent any great deal of time thinking on it, either.

[tavalon]

28. I can't count the number of times I saw him in those great black t-shirts

and told my hubby that it was too bad for me that he pitches for the other team. Because, you know, that takes my chances with him from zero to zero.

I never have to give it any thought.I think it's a side effect from my sixth sense. Other than as a cute party trick, it's pretty much a useless superpower. As superpowers go. I would have preferred to have a childhood that didn't force me to hone in on the tone of crazyland. Or even know that such a crazyland existed.

[davidpdx]

123. I didn't either

But then again it didn't matter. I was a little surprised though.

[Scairp]

76. Didn't need that

All you had to do was happen to read the tabloids anytime in the past 5 or 6 years. He was outed by them a long time ago.

[customerserviceguy]

122. Maybe someday those miserable excuses for litter box liners

will just care about what celebrities are seen in public without makeup, rather than all the catty "outing" that currently fills their pages. Anderson Cooper just took us one step in that direction.

I wish the people who buy this trash get lives, so they don't fund an army of paparazzi. I love to tell fans of those magazines that they contributed to the killing of Princess Diana, that really gets them pissed!

[xmas74]

81. Maybe he changed his mind because of his age?

He's finally comfortable with who he is and allowing everyone to know who he is.

Also, I thought he was rumored to be in a LTR. Maybe there will be wedding bells soon? Maybe even an adoption later?

Who knows.

As to Jodie-I've always heard that it's only in the US that her partner isn't mentioned or shown in photos.

[joshcryer]

96. I honestly thought, "This is new?" I thought he came out ages ago.

Weird. It's like it was a fact.

[teenagebambam]

105. Me too! n/t

[Little Star]

22. I luv AC! Always have, always will.

[nxylas]

24. I didn't even know this was ever a secret

I always thought he was openly gay.

[Marrah_G]

26. He wasn't closeted, he just didn't talk about it publically

[Puregonzo1188]

39. And I feel like that's an important distinction a lot of people are missing.

[nxylas]

43. Fair enough

His personal life isn't really anybody's business, as long as it doesn't compromise his journalistic integrity.

[Alcibiades]

125. Big shocker to some

Who apparently were not paying attention. About as big a surprise as Nathan Lane.

[MineralMan]

25. It shouldn't matter in the first place.

He's a news guy and a commentator on events. I can't see where that has anything to do with his sexuality. I'm glad he made this statement, but it's pretty much irrelevant to me.

[tavalon]

30. Irrelevant to you and me (as it should be)

and very relevant to the cause. And sometimes a cause trumps personal privacy. I'm proud of him and everyone else who chooses to stand up and out from the crowd.

[MineralMan]

34. Yes. It should be irrelevant to everyone, but it's certainly not.

So, his public statement provides reinforcement for the fact that who people love shouldn't matter to any of us. I'm in no way criticizing him.

[CleanLucre]

27. I thought he was a Replicant

KIDDING love him, a real professional and well said!!

[RKP5637]

29. It should be no BFD, but I'm glad he said it anyway. Why should anyone have

to ever state their sexual preferences to anyone. I've always found those that feel the need to stick their noses, so to say, into others sexual preferences to be perverted themselves, and certainly history will bear this out.

[PDJane]

31. I honestly don't get the prejudice, or why his being gay should matter.

I think it shows courage and honesty to say his bit in the US, but he doesn't ask me into his bedroom, or intrude on mine, so what he is is less important that who he is, y'ken?

There are more important things in this world, and tolerance for humanity is more important.

That sounds like a lecture, and it's not meant to be. I am nearly a hermit, because although I love humanity in the abstract, and know we're all capable of wonderful things, humanity itself is its own worst enemy. And yes, that prejudice and nastiness is why I am a partial hermit!!

[RKP5637]

35. I often feel like a partial hermit too for similar reasons. n/t

[Gregorian]

41. Wow! Your post and that of RKP's are very much my own.

Thank you. I just knew this forum felt the way it does for reasons I couldn't explain. Now I know. There is a kinship of sorts.

You stated how I feel so well. I'll spare the story. But I could write a story here. My journey away from civilization. The hunt for solitude and quiet.

[DevonRex]

33. Is it shallow to say he's handsome, too?

He really is. And we've always known he's gay but I'm glad he said it.

[RKP5637]

36. Not at all, he is handsome!!! n/t

[kestrel91316]

44. Tom Cruise may be a lot of things, but he's no trust fund baby. His family was

very ordinary and middle class when he was growing up, IIRC.

OTOH, Cooper is Gloria Vanderbilt's son, so he probably has never HAD to work a day in his life.

[eShirl]

65. Then again, he's no Billy Bush either. n/t

[Fearless]

75. Yet he has

And has put himself in mortal danger to do so.

[Fearless]

98. Sounds like a lot of what ifs and fearmongering to me

He's a gay man. He's on my side.

Not knowing his personal beliefs is the mark of a good reporter.

[Fearless]

100. It terms of coming out Anderson Cooper is on my side.

Who he sleeps with has nothing to do with his reporting.

[nolabear]

104. Pretty mean there. I'm happy he as a trust fund and it has no bearing on his talent.

Many people like him. Including me.

[Crunchy Frog]

120. I thought his Katrina coverage was excellent.

If anybody still remembers that.

[1monster]

38. There was someone out there who didn't know this? I thought he was out of the closet a looooonnnngg

time ago.

[Ratty]

40. Couldn't happen to a dreamier man

Love his girlish giggle.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

56. Here's the full segment

[Skittles]

113. OMG

he is fucking adorable; so genuine!

[Raffi Ella]

42. It's about time.

I often wondered why, when he spoke about the gay bullying, he never made a point of declaring proudly that he himself is gay; If for nothing else than to give those kids some hope.

I understand non public people staying closeted but people like Anderson have a huge platform to make a difference in the world. They should all take advantage of that.

[malaise]

46. This is not news

but I'm glad Anderson has stated the obvious in a beautifully written statement.

[Lost-in-FL]

49. Good for him! (not like it is breaking news or anything)

[riverbendviewgal]

50. great news

K & R...I love Anderson cooper even more now....Glad he came out.

[GoCubsGo]

51. And, the sky is blue, and water is wet.

And, I don't care one way or another. It's sad that this is even an issue. But, at least he is not ashamed to hide who he is.

[rocktivity]

52. "It's become clear to me that...I have given some the mistaken impression

Last edited Thu Jan 22, 2015, 10:16 PM - Edit history (3)

...that I am trying to hide something...that makes me uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid..."

TRANSLATION: "It's become clear to me that so many people have known I'm gay for such a long time, my silence has begun to undermine my personal AND professional credibility."

But seriously, folks, I congratulate him and all who decide to stop living a lie and take that step out of the closet. Someone once told me, "I can't imagine why I thought being out would be harder than being in." And I've been advised that it gets better.


rocktivity

[azurnoir]

62. I had thought that Cooper 'came out' years ago

[Pathwalker]

78. He did - if telling Jerry Falwell on TV that he's gay counts.

Seeing Jerry get all flustered was hilarious. This was years ago.

[rocktivity]

55. Candidate for this year's "You Call This NEWS?" Award

Special Achievement Category.


rocktivity

[IamK]

57. "coming out" is so 90s... who cares...

[L0oniX]

86. +1 ...this isn't anywhere close to being news worthy... like most of the news.

[thelordofhell]

58. The fact is, water is wet

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

59. In other news.....Babe Ruth is dead

[Odin2005]

61. I thought he was already out.

[mzmolly]

64. Who knew?

[disndat]

67. Beautifully written. nt.

[markpkessinger]

68. Why, this is the most shocking thing since Clay Aiken came out! ;) n/t

[rocktivity]

85. Another one DUzy Candidate!

rocktivity

[Raster]

69. All the "who knew?" and "water is wet" snark aside. Each time another Lesbian, Bisexual or Gay...

...person comes out and publicly acknowledges their sexual identify, it makes it easier for those that cannot or will not acknowledge their sexual identity because of shame and fear, and it gives a bit of hope and another choice to the kid that may be thinking killing themselves is the only way out of the closet.

Closets are for clothes, not people. Thank you, Anderson Cooper!

[markpkessinger]

71. Agreed ...

My own flippant remark was made simply because the issue of Cooper's sexuality has been such an open (non) secret here in NYC, and for so long, that I was a little surprised that Cooper believed it WAS still a secret.

[Starry Messenger]

72. Thank you. I was coming down to say this too.

You said it better!

[JI7]

83. though Anderson was never really in the Closet

he lived as any openly gay person would. but i guess as a public person it does mean something to say it out to the public.

[Scairp]

70. Anderson is gay

And we are all shocked...not. No more war zones for him.

[Fearless]

74. Why?

[marmar]

102. WTF?

I really hope you're not trying to say what I think you're trying to say.

[aquart]

77. As surprising as TOMKAT FILE FOR DIVORCE.

[craigmatic]

82. Well now people should start asking him does he have a boyfriend and if so when are they getting

married.

[eissa]

84. I miss Walter Cronkite

Yeah, I know those days are over. The days when we knew little of a real journalist's personal life or political leanings. When the profession involved delivering news factually, without any insinuations or bias, and no reporter worth his salt would compromise his/her integrity by hosting a cheesy talk show.

I have nothing against AC, he seems like a decent fellow. I always thought it was common knowledge that he was gay so this news wasn't exactly earth-shattering. I just lament the loss of those early broadcast journalists.

[lillypaddle]

87. Good for you,

Anderson Cooper. We love you.

[Scootaloo]

88. I thought he was already out? Well, good for him!

[Kennah]

89. There is a sad aspect to this

Almost sounds like Anderson Cooper was concerned that if he were out then he would be viewed as less than objective.

Sadly, there are those who will treat him differently and consider him less than objective.

On him being out, I am happy for him and glad that is happy and comfortable with himself, as it should be.

[Taverner]

90. Good. Let's hope this doesn't harm his chances for entry into certain countries...

[Skittles]

91. I LOVES ME SOME ANDERSON COOPER

he is awesome

[sendero]

92. I'm glad he is saying this...

... but who didn't know?

[pink-o]

93. Well, my friends are all jealous of him!

How many gay men got to grow up with a mom who's a fashion designer and surrounded herself with cute-boy models?

But seriesly, People: the more folks see that "teh gays" are not some sort of abhorrent sub culture on the down low, the sooner one's sexual orientation is gonna be no BFD. And for famous people to be open about it is one of the best ways all my gifted friends can find acceptance.

BTW, just listen to any interview with Chely Wright. If that woman doesn't touch your heart, it must be made of stone!

[rhett o rick]

97. The fact that he made it official means a lot.

He said that he hopes his "coming out" might help some of those that are struggling for their own identity.

I really like A. Coop, but sad that he sold out with his "show". We need good journalists more than ever.

[permatex]

101. Good for him

why hide what you really are. In this day and age, who cares anymore, except maybe the haters which are dwindling with each passing year.

[Auntie Bush]

103. So what!

[just1voice]

109. It makes the corporate propaganda believers feel good about being propagandized

They can pretend they're for equal rights while telling everyone to forget about torture camps, drone attacks, the kill list, and a for-profit health industry.

[leftstreet]

117. +1

[Jamaal510]

107. Good for Anderson for coming out,

but I don't get how this is news.

[Blue_Tires]

127. A day will come when an NFL superstar comes out

That will dominate the news cycles for months to come...

[Rain Mcloud]

108. Kids these days

need a role model,not that any Kids would be caught dead watching any newsy shows.
I'm proud of AC for having the guts to stand up for himself and for those in exile.
Kids should never,ever contemplate suicide for being who they are nor should they live a lie just to please their hard-hearted and conscienceless peer's.
What AC did was introduce a nether side of humanity to the truth,and high time.
I have a little more hope for humankind every day because of these small victories from which we,everyone of us wins,as sapient being's.
Thanks KP and AC.
DU Rec.

[Iggy]

112. No WAYYYYYYYYYY!

what's next? Tom Cruise's 'BIG' announcement??

gimme a break

[alfredo]

115. Maybe if you found a good girl, not that slutty red head Kathy.

[ErikJ]

121. Cornelius is probably rolling in his grave. nt

[Leopolds Ghost]

128. My whole world is turned upside down.