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Anderson Cooper: Visibility for gay people is important

On Monday's "The Dish" by Andrew Sullivan, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper publicly acknowledged being gay, something that hasn't been a big secret in New York media
Anderson Cooper attends the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in  California.
Anderson Cooper attends the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in California.

On Monday's "The Dish" by Andrew Sullivan, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper publicly acknowledged being gay, something that hasn't been a big secret in New York media circles — but something that might come as a surprise to his fans.

We totally agree with Cooper's initial inclination towards privacy, something we believe that reporters and public figures should still be able to maintain. But he raises a good point on what visibility for gay people means for the core of equality.

Below are excerpts of an email he sent his Sullivan, which Cooper gave him permission to post:

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...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 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.