'12
GAH. Anderson Cooper just made me cry. More importantly, Anderson Cooper has finally come out and said (written) what we’ve all known for years: he’s gay. He’s in a relationship (or he was the last time I checked). Anderson “came out” in a wonderful open letter-type thing to The Daily Beast’s Andrew Sullivan. Sullivan writes a simple preface to Anderson’s letter, pointing out that it’s become the new “thing” for gay public figures and celebrities to come out in very low-key ways, with little fanfare or public reaction. Sullivan says he asked for Anderson’s feedback and Anderson sent an email response, and gave Sullivan permission to publish it- this is what Coop wrote:
Andrew, as you know, the issue you raise is one that I’ve thought about for years. Even though my job puts me in the public eye, I have tried to maintain some level of privacy in my life. Part of that has been for purely personal reasons. I think most people want some privacy for themselves and the people they are close to.
But I’ve also wanted to retain some privacy for professional reasons. Since I started as a reporter in war zones 20 years ago, I’ve often found myself in some very dangerous places. For my safety and the safety of those I work with, I try to blend in as much as possible, and prefer to stick to my job of telling other people’s stories, and not my own. 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.
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.
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.
Since my early days as a reporter, I have worked hard to accurately and fairly portray gay and lesbian people in the media – and to fairly and accurately portray those who for whatever reason disapprove of them. It is not part of my job to push an agenda, but rather to be relentlessly honest in everything I see, say and do. I’ve never wanted to be any kind of reporter other than a good one, and I do not desire to promote any cause other than the truth.
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. I appreciate your asking me to weigh in on this, and I would be happy for you to share my thoughts with your readers. I still consider myself a reserved person and I hope this doesn’t mean an end to a small amount of personal space. But I do think visibility is important, more important than preserving my reporter’s shield of privacy.
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I like the way Anderson explains himself, and truly, everyone knew that he was gay already, so it’s not like this is some super-shocker. All that was left was HOW Coop “came out” and I think this is a lovely way to do it. Well done Coop!
Photos courtesy of WENN & PCN.
Written by Kaiser
Posted in Anderson Cooper, Gay Issues
- Mariah Carey lip synced on American Idol [CDAN]
- Colin Firth is looking good [Lainey Gossip]
- Internet celebrity charged with murder! [D-Listed]
- What is Paz Vega wearing? [Go Fug Yourself]
- New bachelors on The Bachelorette [Reality Tea]
- Goodbye to The Office [Pajiba]
- Bachelor Sean’s fiance cheats on him [Evil Beet]
- Britney Spears out with her man [Popsugar]
- Nina Dobrev works it [Popoholic]
- Cindy Crawford needs to lay off the ‘tox [Celebslam]
- Who said it: Carrie Bradshaw or The Dalai Lama? [Buzzfeed]
Once a week somebody has to “come out”, and it must have been Anderson’s turn. Congrats!
PS Next week belongs to Tom Cruise.
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finally!
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I’m so proud of him and happy that he finally said what everybody knew.
*hangs head in shame as I search the net for more Tom and Katie gossip*
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ha, same here.. and good on him, completely classy..
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Damn, he’s classy!
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Classy and SO Beautiful, always have been, always will be!
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SHOCKING!!!! And the shocked face that went with it: -_-
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he’s such a cutie pie and mama’s boy too!
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I still love the Silver Fox
But really, could this be any less shocking?
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It’s old school to stay in the closet now (side eye to Travolta and Cruise)and Anderson knows that. Good for him not doing the Clay Aiken “Yep, I’m Gay” People cover, which is still cringe worthy.
My only concern for Anderson would be his safety in reporting the news from third world countries and the middle east. Islam considers homosexuality a severe crime and punishable by beating, lashing,stoning,imprisoning and death.
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I would be more concerned about the overly crazy Christian people in the US who are just as extreme as some third world crazy Muslims.
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I love him. When i went to his show’s taping, he was standing right near me and I felt like a 14 year old girl. He’s beautiful and his eyes are amazing.
“I love, and I am loved.”
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Good on you, Anderson!
Damn…the last 2 weeks have been INSANE in the world of celebrity gossip. The Johnny Depp escapades, Matt Lauer/Ann Curry, Alec Baldwin pulling off an injury-free wedding, the TomKat insanity, and now Anderson’s come out!
What the heck is next?
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Cracken overdose
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Hmm. Good call. (I mean, sad call, but not unpredictable!) I’m of 2 minds about Lindsay. Either she’ll join “The 27 Club” next year (I know, that club is all musicians, but hell, Lindsay did have a little singing career lol), or, she’ll be like Keith Richards and Courtney Love and somehow outlive everyone. (OK so Court is only in her mid 40s, but come on, did you think she would have made it this far?)
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I love him.
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^^^^^^ +1
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+2 Can never forget that video of him giggling away innocently… Alwys lifts my mood.
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This is something I do not understand “coming out” honestly is it really anyones business what each others sexual preference is. As long as someone isn’t violating animals or children hell they can be humping peanut butter and jelly sandwiches it’s none of my business.
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It’s none of others’ business, but because of discrimination, visibility has to increase to show that it’s not abnormal to be different to what we would call “the majority,” so you’re right, it shouldn’t be anyone’s business, but if discrimination remains, it’s everyone’s business.
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I know right! These announcements are sooo absurd!
You can talk about it naturally don’t need to make an announcement. If something comes up naturally in an interview mention that your partner or “as a gay man” blah blah blah but making a “hear ye! hear ye!” announcement is ridiculous. It’s 2012 people. Enough already.
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Oh, come on. It’s not hard enough, now we are bothered by how people make the announcement? It’s a sad reality that people who would strongly prefer not to make an announcement often have to for the greater good.
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Love him. Very classy, as always.
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+1
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+1
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+100
TEAM COOP!
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He’s never hidden it. Everybody knows he’s gay and he was comfortable with that and never tried to combat that. He’s never had a beard. He’s a journalist, not a celebrity; thus, never felt the need to discuss it or become the story instead of the journalist.
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That’s why this is so surprising! I didn’t think he’d ever discuss it publicly. I admire him for doing this and the way he did it.
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I admire him so much! he is a great professional and this letter shows how an amazing human being he is. I am so proud of you Andy!!! What a beautiful letter,
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The letter really is beautiful. And I love that he doesn’t make a huge spectacle of himself. Some celebrities would rather earn a quick buck and admit their sexual preference on an “US Weekly” or “People.” We all knew he was gay. Just like we know that he’s an excellent journalist. This just isn’t a big deal.
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I concur. The information isn’t new, and its communication is eloquent: states what needs to be stated; no more, no less. Excellent.
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I was so excited to hear this, not for any reason other than I knew Michael K. over at DListed was losing his mind.
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LOL. First thing I did after I saw the post on Facebook was go over to DListed!
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I didn’t think it was possible for me to fall MORE in love with Anderson Cooper, but I guess I was wrong.
That was beautiful.
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<3
What? Shock! Jinkies who is next? Rachel Maddow?
Well written Anderson.
He's right it is nobody's business. Yet the more who come out, especially those respected by both an older generation and admired by the new young will make being who you are, I believe, easier for any gay.
Sorry, about that rubbish sentence structure! Too may thoughts – too fast
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Agree.
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Crap I need a tissue.
That was lovely.
As much as we are opening up as a society it’s good to remember for many coming out sadly still has negative implications for their professional and personal lives. I think it’s always good to remember that there is a personal risk that can not be fully grasped unt you find yourself in that position of being ‘outside’ the norm of society.
I’m so happy for him and wish him and his love all the best. Lovely lovely man. I’m hoping in another 10 years the stigma of homosexuality can fade thoroughly so that the typical flustered ‘Im so happy for you’ (if I told you I’m straight you wouldn’t be ‘so happy for me!) responses can evaporate.
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This doesn’t change my opinion of him. I think he’s great.
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happiest day of MichelK’ s life!
go Coop!
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I know right! That’s the 1st thing I thought. Good for Anderson. I don’t have a feeling about him either way and don’t watch his shows but it’s nice that he is at a place in his life to be able to put this out there.
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Now MK can finally marry the love of his life.
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Not so fast, MK! Tom Cruise is back on the market.
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It’s so nice, that he has acknowledged the inclusiveness of society today, and was willing to forgo his personal privacy, and make this announcement. It in no way influences how I will watch his show, or changes my opinion of him in the slightest. Except that now when I envision him happy in a committed relationship, and supported off camera in his personal life, it will be with a guy…oh wait, that hasn’t changed either.
Good job Anderson, your helping so many others be honest, and in a world of Cruises, and Travoltas, that’s to be commended.
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Beautiful. Good for him.
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He seems like a really good fellow.
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I love the Silver Fox. Such a classy, intelligent, and wonderful guy. What I respect about him is that he actually worked his way up despite his mom being Gloria Vanderbilt. Sure, that gave him an advantage. But he worked for crappy tv shows, did Channel 1 which only showed in high schools, went by himself to Southeast Asia when he was 21 to try and work as a freelancer, etc. He didn’t use his name to leverage himself a cushy job at 25. He worked HARD for 15 or so years traveling the globe and getting little to no recognition.
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Yes. He is amazing.
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I love his news show and his afternoon show. I positively adore him and his Mom, Gloria. What a strong woman she is!
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Aw, this brought a tear to my eye. Reading this made me feel the same way as when I read his book…I just want to be his BFF! A gal can dream.
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I also loved his book. He has an engaging style of writing. So happy for him.
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Chill bumps and tears whilst reading this. He is so beautiful and eloquent. <3
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What a wonderful letter, and lets hope its a sign of changing times and acceptance, that when I read it, my only reaction was “thats nice”…
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…and now back to our regularly scheduled gossiping
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LOL
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Well, if Anderson was ever going to make a public statement about his private life, now is the time.
When every tabloid is camped out over at Katie’s new compound. Not giving a sh*t about anything but watching her CO$ stalkers! haha!
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Darn it….at least before I could pretend the Silver Fox could be mine…now I have to admit defeat
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‘Bout time. Several years ago, my vet went to Brazil for Carnival and he was showing me his pics and he had several of AC with his bf. He didn’t tell me it was AC, I recognized him and he confirmed it was him. Lots of pics of gay men at Carnival…. very hot.
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Well done anderson. You are living your life with truth and honesty. There should be no feelings of being ashamed for being who you are. Life is about love and getting it back in return. Im so proud.
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classy guy…he should of done it sooner…in my opinion…does anyone care anymore if someone is gay? I mean really???
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If I were spending time in Iraq and various warzones, it wouldn’t be something I’d announce right off the plane.
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Unfortunately there are millions of people who still care. Republicans in Texas have made anti-gay legislation a huge part of their platform this year.
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Exactly, Lisa & Neelyo. He made it very clear-his focus as a journalist has always been on getting to the truth. Like it or not, depending on where he is and who he is interviewing, there are people who would judge him and possibly not trust him or just be uncomfortable around him if they were aware of his sexual orientation.
The revelation of sexual orientation, religious preferences, and personal background in general can impeded a journalist’s ability to get a truthful and honest story and can sometimes impede their ability to get their subject to open up.
It’s depressing to think that people still have hang-ups but it’s a reality.
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He’s likable. Good on ya, Coop.
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Who cares? Not me.
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What a great letter.
I think everyone knew, but I like that he made a public statement because he wanted to and felt it was the right decision, not because he was pressured to or was tired of hiding (cough, Travolta, cough).
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He came out years ago when he admitted to being BFF’s with Kathy Griffin
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I love how cute and giggly he is with Kathy Griffin. He is so comfortable with her and I adore when she calls him Andy.
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He has the most infectious laughter!
I still laugh whenever I remember the wallet incident with her.
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Love him so much!
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those eyes. they’re so vivid even through the small thumbnail in the main page.
yea yea, i’m a sucker for beautiful eyes.
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Even though I’m married, I’m a tiny bit sad to hear him confirm it because I have a little crush on him. He’s just so sophisticated-looking yet seems down to earth and very urbane. Good for him for coming out on his own terms.
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Ditto…l love him! His laugh or ‘giggle’ always makes me laugh out loud. Very endearing he is!
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it does prove the old saying – all the good ones are gay….
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Damn, who’s the hottie with the bike to his left? Is that his man???
Some seriously beautiful people.
Inside
and
OUT
Thanks for sharing Coop!
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Yep, that’s Ben and they’ve been together forever.
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Well I think most people knew Anderson was gay, and most don’t care.
Is it brave of him to come out? Sure it is. While I don’t agree with everything Anderson say’s at times, what and how his sexual orientation is none of my concern.
I still find him as a funny and smart personality on t.v…that’s all that matters.
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Now replace “gay” with “hot” and reread that sentence. It still makes total sense.
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+1
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+2
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Good for him!
People should just live their lives, and stop trying to be what others expect them to be.
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I just had a USMC pal come out to both my husband and I this weekend when we went to celebrate him coming home from Afghanistan and it was a complete shock because he wasn’t what you would stereotype to be a Gay Marine (I’ve only met lesbian marines before and it wasn’t hard to tell….) He’s very masculine, very confident, and all in all just a great guy anyone would be proud to know. We all went out to a gay bar in DC and just danced the night away. Thank goodness DADT is now history as the military would have lost a great Marine for simply loving who he loves.
MAH Boo… I so proud of you
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One of our IT guys is a USMC reservist (former active duty) and when DADT was repealed one of my bosses had a freak out. Our IT guy was basically ‘get over it. There have always been gays in the military and there always be. But now they can serve openly. As long as they’re good Marines, I don’t care’.
I could have hugged him.
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Who cares.
I like eating chocolate. Just thought I would say that. I always have and always will.
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What a stand-up guy! Good for you, boo!
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Well done Coop. Someone admitting to being gay shouldn’t be headline news. Even though everyone already knew he was gay, just admitting it is helping others to reach the point where it become commonplace. The more commonplace it becomes to casually say you are gay the more accepting the world learns to be. It’s a gate that is slowly being pushed open and public figures like Anderson help make it acceptable and comfortable for others to follow so that no one has to shield or hide such an important part of their life.
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I’m happy he came out. Good for him.
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I’m really happy to read the news that AC has come out to the general public. His letter is articulate, kind and very adult. AC is, IMO, a great role model for any young person, but especially now to gay teenagers struggling with bullying and homophobia.
P.S. @MarcyParcy – Good for your USMC friend!
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I love A-Coop so much it hurts. That is all.
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I never thought about how being openly gay could affect his personal safety while reporting in certain countries.
Be safe Anderson, you are my #1 or #2 gay crush (depending on Hugh Jackman’s sexuality).
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Good on him
.
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To everyone saying, “Who cares?” As a human being, you should care because gay people are having their civil rights taken away over and over. Currently, 33 states ban gay marriage in their constitution and some laws are written in such a way that harms adopted children. There are people out there, even if they assumed Anderson were gay, will still become angry by his audacity to think it’s something he should feel comfortable announcing, as if he is trying to throw it into their faces. They prefer gay people to stay hidden so they can spread the lie that they are all deviant. Believe it or not, there are people that have never met a gay person (that they know of) and it’s easy for them to live in ignorance. Good for Anderson.
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I second your opinion!
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Amen!
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He’s just great…classy, adorable, intelligent. I really admire him.
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He’s become an ambulance chaser..
but good for him for coming out, like noone knew..lol
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Good for him even if I don’t really like the guy. Anyway, everyone should be with the one they love, same sex or not.
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aww he’s so sweet. good for him
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Good for him. He is one classy guy.
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I wonder if this will affect his field reporting in countries where being gay is a crime .I just read 2 guys were hung for being gay in Iran
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What an absolutely perfect statement.
Good for him!
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he’s adorbs…
I really hope the straight men out there could model themselves after a. cooper…stylish, reserved yet funny, extremely intelligent yet not a boasting baffoon about it.
HOTness…sprinkle me some salt n’ pepper!
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Anderson- I love you!
The letter was beautiful and made me cry. He is one of the classiest, most masculine men in the world and a true gentleman. Anderson will always be a gem.
I agree +1000 that MK is shouting from the rooftops. Now, all we have to do is get MK & AC together. Two of the most respected journalists in the industry. It’s a match made in heaven.
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I re-read the letter. It really is a beautiful letter.
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In other news, water is wet! :p
I read his letter and it’s really beautiful.
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Maybe I’m missing something, but didn’t he already admit he was gay ages ago? That’s how I knew he was gay and I don’t even follow his work.
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Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It actually used to be a enjoyment account it. Glance complex to far introduced agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
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