Happy Silver Fox Coming Out Day, Everyone!
The line I’ve been waiting to hear from Anderson Cooper ever since my irises turned into silver hearts while watching him on Channel One in junior high school homeroom has finally leaped off of his tongue. Actually, let me correct that. The line I’ve been waiting to hear is: “Michael, here’s a one-way ticket to my fox hole, just for you.” So is the second most important line I’ve been waiting to hear.
The Daily Beast’s Andrew Sullivan asked Andy Coo about his thoughts on Entertainment Weekly’s story about famous gay people subtly coming out without a parade or a People magazine cover. The Silver Fox said the words “I’m gay” and explained why he hasn’t totally sashayed out of the glass closet before. I just want to let it be known that it’s really hard to type while a tidal wave of puckers takes over my body:
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.
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.
And he goes on:
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 appreciate your asking me to weigh in on this, and I would be happy for you to share my thoughts with your readers. 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.
Yes, I hoped Anderson would come out this July 4th by painting the words “I PROUDLY LOVE PEEN” on his naked body in silver glitter paint before shooting himself out of a cannon over the Hudson while white fireworks spell out the message “THE WORLD CAN END NOW” in the night sky, but I’ll take this.
Happy Silver Fox Coming Out Day, everyone! Let’s all join hands and skip through the forest as baby silver foxes giggle together in happiness!