Anderson Cooper: 'The Fact Is, I'm Gay' [UPDATED]

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"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," Anderson admitted in a recent email exchange with The Daily Beast columnist Andrew Sullivan.

According to Sullivan, the email was published with Cooper's full consent. The conversation came from a recent article about various ways that people come out publicly.

"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," Anderson continues in the email.

As the news broke, Cooper's announcement received an overwhelming response from hundreds on Twitter, including warm words of encouragement from friends.

Good for you, @AndersonCooper. You're awesome.tinyurl.com/chw8qyu— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) July 2, 2012

Well put, Anderson! #Mazel— Andy Cohen (@BravoAndy) July 2, 2012

UPDATE: Anderson Cooper has responded to Monday's social buzz regarding his email exchange.

I appreciate all the nice tweets. I am in Botswana working but want to wish everyone a great 4th of July!— Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) July 3, 2012