Anderson Cooper’s Discovery of His s–ual Identity: A Journey Guided by Richard Gere

Anderson Cooper recently shared a pivotal moment from his past that shaped his understanding of his own sexuality.

During a conversation with his friend Andy Cohen on Radio Andy, the CNN journalist recounted a significant event from his pre-teen years that led him to realize he was gay.

Cooper reminisced about a life-altering experience when he was just 11 years old, accompanied by his mother Gloria Vanderbilt's friends, photographer Paul Jasmin and his partner, to watch a play featuring Richard Gere.

The play, “Bent,” revolved around the story of two gay men in concentration camps.

Cooper vividly described the opening scene as profoundly impactful, exclaiming, “It is the gayest thing you can imagine.” He further expressed how mesmerized he was by Gere's beauty during that time, having attended the play solely in the company of his mother's two gay friends.

The moment that solidified Cooper's realization of his own sexuality occurred during a scene in the play where a man emerged from bed n^ked, proceeded to don a Nazi uniform after engaging in intimacy with another man.

Recalling that instant, Cooper confessed, “Oh my God, I'm gay…I'm totally gay,” as the revelation struck him.

His admiration for Gere escalated when they had the opportunity to meet backstage, with Cooper being left speechless at the sight of the actor shirtless in his dressing room.

Cooper's infatuation with Gere was so intense that he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the actor's chest even when attempting to request an autograph on his Playbill.

A decade later, Cooper seized the chance to interview Richard Gere, taking along the same Playbill from the memorable encounter at the theater.

He shared the entire story with Gere, who warmly received the anecdote and autographed the Playbill, evidently amused by the recollection.

In 2012, Anderson Cooper made a significant announcement about his s–ual orientation through an essay featured on Andrew Sullivan's Daily Beast blog.

In the heartfelt piece, he touched upon the dilemma he faced between safeguarding his privacy and serving as a role model for the young LGBTQ+ community.

Cooper emphasized that his decision to come out was not fueled by shame or fear but rather by a desire to live authentically and proudly.

He declared, “The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any happier, more comfortable with myself, and prouder.”