Remember when Lady Gaga said that on live TV? I thought it sounded insulting, until one of my own gays explained that she used the words ironically.
Watching Anderson Cooper reporting from Haiti tonight, I was struck anew by his charisma, courage, and palpable warmth. He manages to convey such genuine emotion without sacrificing professionalism. He is the essence of calm and confidence. He is hunky in a tight black t-shirt. And all the time, he’s as gay as the day is long!
I want Andy to come out. I know, I know, he’s not in the closet, but he’s not totally out yet, not officially. I can understand the notion that he doesn’t have to share his sexual orientation. There is dignity is keeping your private life to yourself, god knows, especially in this age of blubbering celebrity confessions.
But Anderson Cooper needs to let “Middle America” know that this is what a gay man looks like. He’s not some Other who’s threatening their Way of Life. He would give gay teenagers someone to look up to, a role model to guide their way. Does he owe it to gays to come out?
I think he does. Because if he doesn’t, he’s implying that it needs to be a secret. And that has to change.
A popular blogger ‘came out’ recently to reveal that she’s been diagnosed with MS. She is aware that society feels uncomfortable around people with incurable illness, and people in chronic pain. But she empowered herself (even though I still hate the word “empowered”) by speaking up. Now, more people will feel okay about being who they are.
Everyone needs to practice tolerance and acceptance. We should condemn only stupidity and narrow-mindedness. I don’t know if it’s PC to call myself a fag hag, but I do love my gays and I want them to get married so I can nag them to let me be Best Man at the wedding.
Should Anderson Cooper come out? Or should he keep quiet like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and George Clooney?