In a long, sobering email to The Daily Beast’s Andrew Sullivan, the host of the eponymously titled “Anderson Cooper 360” shared the following in response to the question of the social impact of celebrities who publicly proclaim their homosexuality:
“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,” Cooper wrote.
“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.”
What are your thoughts about Cooper’s sudden admission of being a member of the LGBT community? Do you believe that it is the responsibility of celebrities who are gay, or rumored to be gay, to come out publicly? Or are you of the belief that a person’s private life is just that — private? Rolling out would like to hear from you.
