We've known all along the beautiful, stunning, intelligent silverfox reporter, Anderson Cooper, is/was/always will be gay, but...like Queen Latifah, (who seemed to say, but then not say she was gay), his sexual identity remained a mystery to some.

Finally, in an interview with The Daily Beast, Anderson Cooper wrote a beautiful note about why he thought he needed to maintain his privacy, and why he's not doing so any longer:

"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."

BAM! Don't you love how progressive the 21st Century is? Share your thoughts on Anderson Cooper below!

For the FULL letter written by Anderson himself, click to read The Daily Beast here.