"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," Anderson Cooper wrote to viewers and fans.
Rumors about Cooper have been circulating for years, probably the most speculated closet case behind Tom Cruise. So, his coming out wasn't a huge shock. What was surprising, however, is the timing of his affirmation.
With gay marriage is the hot button issue this year, more so than in previous election cycles. Politicians and celebrities have been open about endorsing either side.
And while Anderson is in a liberal camp of news anchors, his coming out couldn't have come at a better time. Fans have called him "inspiring" and have lent their support to him and gay rights.
Some, however, wonder if Anderson's announcement was a ploy for rating. During Tuesday's "Today" show, when asked if celebrities were obligated "to make their sexual preferences known," regular guest Star Jones responded:
"I've been in daytime television for a long time," Jones said. "He's a daytime talk show host and when the ratings slip in daytime, the hosts tend to tell you lots of things about them. I remember Oprah said she smoked crack. Oprah said she was pregnant at 14 and considered suicide. There were times that you generate information for ratings."
Ratings ploy or genuine revelation? Personally, if either is true, Cooper wouldn't be the first or the last celebrity, as Jones suggests, to use personal struggle as a connection point with their audiences. Ultimately, however, it doesn't matter.
What Cooper's done has inspired many others to do the same. Again, it's not as if anyone was shocked by the news. And, if his coming out was a pr stunt, then eventually, as all things pop, the product (in this case his brand) will speak for itself.
Does something seem screwy about the timing of Cooper's coming out? Does it matter? Do you care? I want to hear what you think.
Rumors about Cooper have been circulating for years, probably the most speculated closet case behind Tom Cruise. So, his coming out wasn't a huge shock. What was surprising, however, is the timing of his affirmation.
With gay marriage is the hot button issue this year, more so than in previous election cycles. Politicians and celebrities have been open about endorsing either side.
And while Anderson is in a liberal camp of news anchors, his coming out couldn't have come at a better time. Fans have called him "inspiring" and have lent their support to him and gay rights.
Some, however, wonder if Anderson's announcement was a ploy for rating. During Tuesday's "Today" show, when asked if celebrities were obligated "to make their sexual preferences known," regular guest Star Jones responded:
"I've been in daytime television for a long time," Jones said. "He's a daytime talk show host and when the ratings slip in daytime, the hosts tend to tell you lots of things about them. I remember Oprah said she smoked crack. Oprah said she was pregnant at 14 and considered suicide. There were times that you generate information for ratings."
Ratings ploy or genuine revelation? Personally, if either is true, Cooper wouldn't be the first or the last celebrity, as Jones suggests, to use personal struggle as a connection point with their audiences. Ultimately, however, it doesn't matter.
What Cooper's done has inspired many others to do the same. Again, it's not as if anyone was shocked by the news. And, if his coming out was a pr stunt, then eventually, as all things pop, the product (in this case his brand) will speak for itself.
Does something seem screwy about the timing of Cooper's coming out? Does it matter? Do you care? I want to hear what you think.
#AndersonCooper #gay is an important battle in one of the last hold outs… that is with our Actors and Athletes, perhaps the environment in TV & Film is becoming safer for these professionals to be authentic in their everyday life and with the public?
I don’t think it really maters WHEN someone comes out I do however feel it help those who are scared and still in the closet be it bi or gay to see well know figures come out. Like Cooper or the lesbian soccer player. I guess what difference does it make that someone likes both sexes or maybe just the same sex, life is so short why not enjoy what has been given us.
I think Anderson cooper should have told the truth sooner instead of later. I find fault with cooper for not having came out years ago and being up front and honest with himself and others. As a gay man myself I don’t care about a person who is deceitful and dishonest . I think the truth should always be told whether or not the person feels comfortable or not in being honest with himself and others and or his employer.
Bravo, Anderson! You will end up saving many young gay lives. I have never understood the bitchiness of some in our community towards celebs who come out. There seems to be a type of, “Well who does ‘she’ think she is” pathology among minority groups when one of their members achieves success. Oprah certainly experienced this, as have many others. Thank you Mr. Universe, Bob Paris, who came out years ago and gained notoriety by marrying his partner, Rod Jackson; thank you Ellen, and all of the other celebs, and non-celebs who have come out publicly. If everyone in the closet came out today, we would have full legal LBGT equality tomorrow.
I think it is great that he came out to everyone, but I would like to hear more. His two-sentence statement could seem glib if he doesn’t share a little more of himself. I would like to know more of his loves and dislikes and more about what he likes to do. That would seem “real” to me and It would be even more encouraging to those of us who struggle.
Who cares !
I have always respected programs done by Anderson his recent move into the daytime show circuit was a disappointment to me, god knows there are enough of those filled with enthousiastic audiences being given gifts under their seats. I respected the in depth interviews he did. being able to get to the point of things.
I now wondered if his move to the daytime circuit has something to do with his “coming out” let’s face it the battle for ratings has very little to do with principles, major networks will do anything to stay on the top.
I enjoy Anderson but would hate the thought that he is being used in this manner.
I think it is wonderful,and wish him continued success.
Personally I don’t feel there’s anything suspicious about the timing, and am willing to accept his reasons for not coming out sooner at face value. I simply say “Bravo!” and am happy there’s one more role model.
As Matt says. Who cares anymore. Getting more common to “Come Out”. Defangs people who try to destroy some one public.
Whаt’s up, just wanted to tell you, I enjoyed this blog post. It was funny. Keep on posting!
Great! I will never see his programs. I will use my precious time for other interesting people.