Anderson Cooper has come out in an interview in which he bluntly says: ‘The fact is, I’m gay’.
The CNN news anchor said that he did not want people to think he is ‘trying to hide something’ and that he is ‘proud’ of who he is.
In candid comments he said that he was taking a stand because ‘the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible’.
The 45-year-old added he was moved by recent events such as Barack Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage – and hopes his example will put an end to bullying.
Cooper’s sexuality has long been an open secret in TV circles, but for him to state it publicly is a brave and bold move.
He is also one of the most high profile people to come out in recent years, given that he hosts CNN’s ‘Anderson Cooper 360’ and his own daytime TV talk show.