Anderson Cooper Comes Out in the Classiest of Ways

A friend asked Anderson Cooper for his thoughts on Entertainment Weekly’s story about gay people coming out in a much more restrained way than in the past. More of a subtle, “I’m gay, whatever” attitude than appearing on the cover of PEOPLE like Lance Bass. Anderson let him publish the email he wrote back. In it, Anderson casually comes out.

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. Daily Beast

Anderson is handsome, charming, funny and smart. Of course he’s gay. You can’t find all those qualities in a straight guy and if you do, there’s a 90% chance they’re hiding bodies in their basement.