Anderson Cooper Opens Up About Coming Out

Anderson Cooper is proudly discussing his sexuality as a gay man.

The CNN journalist opened up about coming out on the second season premiere of his talk show. Cooper told the audience:

"I came out in high school. I told my friends, I told my family. I've always been out to my co-workers and stuff. It's just not something I talked about publicly, because as a reporter, I didn't think it was appropriate. It didn't seem like part of my job."

As for why Anderson came out publicly, he adds:

"It just got to the point where -- I've been torn for a long time between a desire as a reporter to just do my job and be known as a reporter -- and at the same time I do think visibility is important."

Click thru to read more about what Anderson had to say.