For the record, Anderson Cooper finally decided to come out publicly about being gay. The CNN anchor and syndicated talk show host told the Daily Beast’s Andrew Sullivan via a letter to Sullivan that Sullivan posted on his blog this morning. “I have found that sometimes the less an interview subject knows about me, the better I can safely and effectively do my job as a journalist,” Cooper wrote, adding later that he decided to come out to show he never intended to give the impression he was hiding anything. He adds: “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.”


Let’s see you cancel my show now, CNN!
I haven’t been this surprised since I heard Tom cruise and Katie Holmes were splitting up.
Me, too. Cannot express my shock and surprise.
Good for him , its about time
Why is this announcement good?
Seriously, you’re suprised? Have you ever heard him giggle?
Who cares. What a gay article.
I’m shocked, SHOCKED I tell you!
I wonder why Cooper turned to The Daily Beast rather than one of his own media outlets. I can see why he wouldn’t make the announcement on his CNN show, being that – on there, at least – he’s supposed to report the news, not create it. Still, it seems like making an announcement on his daytime talk show might have been appropriate.
To which, America publicly announced “no shit.”
I thought this was old news? But I find it funny that this will inevitably bother some people. By that I mean people who watch Fox News.
“People” watch FOX News?
Cue “Water is wet” comment in 3…2…
Waiting to hear all the congrats from Ellen, Rosie and GLADD, as if this is a good thing.
It is a good thing Mary…And its GLAAD…Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation…but lets get to a point in this country where everyone is treated weekly. Anderson doesnt now need to be known as the gay anchor
I think Mary was referring to GLADD, Gay and Lesbians Against Drunk Driving. They do good work.
Sadly, I doubt this will get him more viewers on CNN. The gays gave up on Anderson long ago.
Back to work A.C. Never address it again. Decline interviews on the subject as much as possible and/or when feasible. Tom Brokaw will never have to do an interview or answer questions on the subject of his heterosexuality. The last thing you want this to be is your over-riding achievement eclipsing everything else when it shouldn’t even be a footnote. Always admired the way you handled the speculation situation with class and grace as you’ve done here as well.
I agree..HOpe he sticks to that as I saw CNN statement today said ANderson will not discuss it on his show…Hes never wanted it to interfere with his job
Good for him. Let’s leave it that and not throw potshots.
I thought this was common knowledge, but I suppose not EVERYONE knew. I wish this kind of thing didn’t matter. I assume he is trying to help those that are LGBT that might be struggling with their identity, but one must also wonder if he’s doing it for ratings, book deals, speaking gigs…
do you think fox viewers know its common knowledge that shepard smith is gay too? Theres a lot of middle america who has no clue of all this stuff…
And in other shocking news tomorrow the sun will rise…
Three cheers for Anderson Cooper!!!
I give Anderson a lot of credit – not because he came out but because it is about journalistic integrity and quite honestly no ones private life is anyone else’s business – that’s why they call it “private”. As an openly gay man I never felt that Anderson was hiding. Live and let live.
The resounding cries of “….. and?” in response to this revelation have been hysterical.
My god he is one sexy dude
“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.”
And now, after he has made this announcement, he has lost that credibility. Honestly, why do they have to make a big deal out things like this? Do straight people make HUGE announcements saying, “I know this is tought, but …. I am straight. I know! I know! But don’t treat me any differently.”
Apples and oranges. 1) Straight is the default in the United States, announcing you’re heterosexual won’t make an impact when it’s the celebrated sexual orientation in this country; 2) Gay people are still ostracized by many. Coming forward and saying you’re gay, no matter how low-key, is still a big deal.
Last gasp of a network (and anchor) desperate to stop the viewership bleeding that has gone on since almost the minute he went on air.
Hilarious. All respect gone.
Why is that?
Everyone knew. Who cares.
Surprised? Shocked? Thought Anderson lost his credibility?!
What the heck?! He is still what he is — an excellent journalist. Simply because he’s gay “publicly” does not mean he suddenly lost his professional skills in journalism.
Ridiculous how some bigoted hypocrites would find it a “shocker.” How about the more than 50% divorce rate among heterosexual married couples? How about the extramarital affairs often seen among heterosexual, God-fearing Republican (or Democratic) politicians?