Is Anderson Cooper gay? Yes. The longtime 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 to that status. He continues to work at the top level of American broadcast journalism while raising his two sons and maintaining a visible public presence.
For years, the question has circulated online, especially during major political events and election cycles when Cooper’s visibility increases. While curiosity continues, the facts have remained consistent for more than a decade.
Here is a clear, up-to-date look at his personal and professional life.
When Anderson Cooper Publicly Came Out
Anderson Cooper confirmed he is gay in July 2012.
Before that announcement, he kept his personal life largely private. He did not deny his sexuality, but he also did not publicly discuss it. In 2012, he decided to clarify his identity in a public statement. He explained that he had always been comfortable with who he was and did not want silence to create misunderstanding.
That moment marked a significant step in cable news history. At the time, few primetime anchors on major networks were openly gay. Cooper’s confirmation did not change his career path. Instead, he continued leading major news coverage and high-profile interviews.
As of 2026, that statement still stands. He has never retracted or revised it.
Is Anderson Cooper Gay? The Answer in 2026
The answer remains direct and unchanged: yes, Anderson Cooper is openly gay.
There are no verified reports suggesting otherwise. There have been no contradictory public statements. His identity has been consistently acknowledged in interviews and public appearances.
Search engines continue to show high interest in this question. That pattern often spikes during breaking news events, presidential debates, or election nights when Cooper appears on air for extended hours.
For viewers discovering him for the first time, the question may feel new. For long-time audiences, the answer has been clear for years.
His Long-Term Relationship With Benjamin Maisani
Anderson Cooper was in a long-term relationship with Benjamin Maisani, a businessman known for operating nightlife venues in New York City.
They began dating in the late 2000s. Over time, they built a stable partnership that lasted for years. Eventually, the romantic relationship ended. However, the two maintained a close personal bond.
Cooper has spoken openly about their continued friendship and respect for one another. Their connection did not disappear when the romantic aspect ended. Instead, it evolved.
As of 2026, they remain committed co-parents.
A Modern Family Structure
One of the most important chapters of Cooper’s life began in 2020.
In April 2020, he welcomed his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper. In February 2022, he announced the birth of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. Both children were born via surrogate.
Benjamin Maisani actively co-parents both boys. Cooper has emphasized that family matters more than traditional labels. He has described their structure as rooted in love, stability, and shared responsibility.
Fatherhood has reshaped his priorities. While he continues anchoring a primetime news show, he also makes time for school routines, bedtime stories, and everyday parenting responsibilities.
He occasionally shares personal reflections about fatherhood on television. These moments often resonate with viewers who see a different side of the veteran journalist.
Career Status in 2026
Anderson Cooper remains a central figure at CNN.
He anchors Anderson Cooper 360°, one of the network’s most recognizable programs. The show covers national politics, international conflicts, economic developments, and investigative reports. During election seasons, Cooper plays a leading role in debate moderation and results analysis.
His career spans decades. He reported from war zones, disaster sites, and major global events long before social media changed the news landscape. That field experience shaped his direct, measured on-air style.
In addition to his nightly program, Cooper co-hosts CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast. The annual special blends serious reporting with celebratory energy. It has become a widely watched holiday tradition in the United States.
As of today, there are no indications of retirement or career shifts.
Why Public Curiosity Persists
Interest in public figures’ personal lives is not new. High-profile journalists often face the same questions as actors or athletes.
In Cooper’s case, several factors drive ongoing search activity:
- New viewers tuning in during major breaking news
- Younger audiences discovering archived interviews online
- Social media discussions resurfacing older clips
- Curiosity about LGBTQ+ representation in media
Even though his sexuality has been public knowledge since 2012, online search trends show that people continue asking.
The digital era keeps long-settled topics in circulation.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Broadcast Journalism
When Anderson Cooper confirmed he is gay, representation in primetime cable news looked different.
Today, more journalists feel comfortable being open about their identities. His visibility contributed to that shift. He demonstrated that authenticity and professionalism can coexist without limiting career advancement.
Importantly, he never positioned himself as an activist anchor. His primary identity on screen remains journalist and interviewer. Still, his presence holds cultural significance.
For young viewers considering careers in media, his path offers a visible example of success at the highest level.
Maintaining Privacy While Being Open
Cooper strikes a careful balance between transparency and privacy.
He acknowledges being gay. He speaks about fatherhood. Yet he avoids constant discussion about his dating life or personal relationships.
That approach keeps the focus on journalism. It also protects his children from excessive public attention.
In interviews, he often redirects conversations back to reporting and current events. His personal identity does not dominate his public narrative.
As of February 17, 2026, there are no verified updates about a new long-term romantic partner. He remains unmarried.
Quick Facts Snapshot
Here is a current overview of confirmed details:
- Sexual Orientation: Openly gay since 2012
- Children: Two sons
- Co-Parent: Benjamin Maisani
- Marital Status: Not married
- Employer: CNN
- Flagship Program: Anderson Cooper 360°
These details reflect the most up-to-date public information available in early 2026.
The Role of Media Visibility
Anderson Cooper’s career places him in American living rooms almost every night. That visibility naturally fuels public interest.
Unlike actors who play fictional roles, Cooper presents real-world events. Viewers often feel connected to anchors who guide them through national crises, elections, and global conflicts.
That familiarity sometimes blurs the line between professional and personal curiosity.
Still, the answer to the question remains straightforward.
The Clear Answer
Anderson Cooper is openly gay and has been public about his sexuality since 2012. He continues to lead one of cable news’ most recognizable programs while raising his two sons in a co-parenting partnership with Benjamin Maisani.
There are no recent revelations, no conflicting reports, and no changes to his public identity.
His career remains strong. His family life remains stable. The facts have not shifted.
What are your thoughts on public interest in journalists’ personal lives? Join the conversation and check back for accurate updates as news develops.