Anderson Cooper Talks About Coming Out—On His Show

Photo via AndersonCooper.com

Yesterday Anderson Cooper hosted the premiere episode of the second second season of his eponymous daytime talk show. It's the first ep since he came out publicly this summer via an open letter posted by Andrew Sullivan. For the second season, each episode will include a guest host, and this one was gay-friendly actress Kristin Chenoweth, and also had special guest Beyonce.

Cooper talked candidly with guest host Kristin Chenoweth when she brought up the subject. "Now I'm blushing and I'm getting nervous," Cooper said (with his signature giggle). "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.

So far: We know there will be MORE giggles. And more gay-friendly ladies.

"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. I do think that the tide of history only moves forward when everyone is fully visible," Cooper explained. "I didn't want to send a message that there was anything I was ashamed about or unhappy about or not comfortable with. That was the main thing for me."

Still no word on what's up with him and boyfriend Ben Misani. That's the OTHER thing that's been gossiped about all summer: whether the hot couple are still an item or not. But with Honey Boo Boo coming up and Niecy Nash guest hosting this week--and upcoming guest hosts including Goldie Hawn, Kelly Osbourne, Cyndi Lauper--it looks to be a MUCH more camp-filled season. Thank the gods.

See the clip below: