Anderson Cooper: "I'm gay"

Well aside from the fact that this has to go down in the annals of "duh" as one of the biggest things-we-aready-knew stories in recent history, it's actually a rather important moment. For the most part, journalists prefer not to become part of their stories, and even though Cooper remains one of the last true journalists at CNN, he's a very fine one indeed. Therefore it's kind of understandable that he wouldn't want his personality or celebrity to obscure whatever conflict or issue he was trying to illuminate. Celebrity journalism simply isn't his thing.

If, like me, you met this morning's news with a little laughter, allow your cynicism to fall away as you read the moving statement he made on Andrew Sullivan's blog:

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.

June Thomas reminds us why this is important:

There is nothing wrong with being gay, but refusing to talk about one’s sexuality makes it seem as though there might be. It also reflects the insidious reality of homophobia—people hide the truth about who they love for the same reasons that people hide their religion, their political views, or complicated family structures: because they’re afraid that someone will use it against them. There’s usually a real basis for this fear. Anderson Cooper is a successful, rich, attractive guy. I’m glad he isn’t afraid to show his true self anymore.

A valid view, yes, and one with which I agree, but my favourite reactions by far come from Twitter.