Is Anderson Cooper gay? Yes. The award-winning CNN anchor publicly confirmed he is gay in 2012 and has remained open about his sexuality ever since. As of February 2026, there have been no changes regarding his identity. He continues to speak openly about his life, his family, and his role as a father while maintaining his prominent position in American journalism.
Anderson Cooper is one of the most recognizable faces in cable news. He anchors CNN’s flagship program Anderson Cooper 360° and frequently leads coverage during major political events and breaking news. Public curiosity about his personal life has remained steady for years. Here are the verified and current facts.
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When Did Anderson Cooper Come Out?
Anderson Cooper publicly came out as gay in July 2012.
At that time, he confirmed his sexuality after years of keeping his private life separate from his professional career. He made it clear he was not hiding who he was but preferred to maintain boundaries between personal and public matters.
His confirmation marked a major moment in broadcast journalism. Few openly gay anchors held a primetime cable news role at that level at the time. His announcement sparked national discussion about LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media.
As of 2026, that statement still stands without change.
Is Anderson Cooper Gay? The Current Status in 2026
To directly answer the commonly searched question — is anderson cooper gay — yes, he is openly gay.
There have been no corrections, reversals, or conflicting reports about his identity. He has consistently acknowledged his sexuality in interviews and public discussions over the years.
Today, Cooper does not center his public image around his sexuality. Instead, he focuses on journalism, global reporting, and raising his family.
His Relationship with Benjamin Maisani
Anderson Cooper was in a long-term relationship with Benjamin Maisani, a businessman and nightclub owner.
They began dating in the late 2000s. Although they later ended their romantic relationship, they remain close. Cooper has described their relationship as strong and supportive.
Importantly, they co-parent their children together. Their partnership reflects a modern approach to family life built on cooperation and mutual respect.
As of early 2026, there have been no public announcements of marriage or a new long-term partner.
Fatherhood and Family Life
Fatherhood has become a defining part of Anderson Cooper’s life.
He has two sons:
- Wyatt Morgan Cooper (born April 2020)
- Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper (born February 2022)
Both children were born via surrogate.
Cooper has shared that becoming a father transformed his perspective. He often speaks about the joy and responsibility of parenting while balancing his demanding career.
Benjamin Maisani remains actively involved in raising the children. The two share parenting duties and maintain a united family structure.
As of 2026, Cooper continues balancing national television coverage with raising his sons.
Professional Career in 2026
Anderson Cooper remains a leading figure in American cable news.
He continues anchoring Anderson Cooper 360°, covering politics, global conflicts, natural disasters, and investigative reports. He also plays a central role during major election cycles and national breaking news.
In addition, he co-hosts CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve broadcast, which has become a popular television tradition.
His professional reputation rests on decades of reporting experience. His sexuality has not altered his standing in the industry.
Why the Question Still Trends
Search interest in “is Anderson Cooper gay” continues to appear regularly online.
Common reasons include:
- New viewers discovering him during major news events
- Younger audiences encountering viral news clips
- General public curiosity about high-profile journalists
- Increased attention during election seasons
However, this information has been public for more than a decade. There have been no changes or new revelations in recent years.
Representation in Media
Anderson Cooper’s presence as an openly gay primetime news anchor remains significant in American media.
He built his career based on investigative reporting and global coverage long before publicly confirming his sexuality. After coming out, his professional role continued to expand.
His success helped normalize LGBTQ+ representation in broadcast journalism. Still, he rarely frames his work around identity. His focus remains on facts, accountability, and storytelling.
Privacy and Public Life
Although Cooper is open about being gay, he values privacy.
He discusses fatherhood openly but avoids turning personal matters into headlines. That balance has remained consistent throughout his career.
As of February 17, 2026, there are no verified reports contradicting his long-standing public statements.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Topic | Current Status (2026) |
|---|---|
| Sexual Orientation | Openly gay since 2012 |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Children | Two sons |
| Co-Parent | Benjamin Maisani |
| Employer | CNN |
| Primetime Program | Anderson Cooper 360° |
All information above reflects confirmed public details as of today’s date.
The Bottom Line
The answer remains clear and consistent. Anderson Cooper is openly gay and has publicly acknowledged it since 2012. He continues to thrive professionally while raising his two sons and maintaining a respected presence in U.S. journalism.
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