Anderson Cooper has come out. In an email to his friend Andrew Sullivan, Cooper said “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.”

Cooper explained that he had not said anything on the subject before because he felt it would negatively impact his ability to cover some stories. His feelings, however, recently began to change:

It’s become clear to me that by remaining silent on certain aspects of my personal life for so long, I have given some the mistaken impression that I am trying to hide something — something that makes me uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid. This is distressing because it is simply not true.

“In a perfect world, I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business, but I do think there is value in standing up and being counted,” added Cooper.

Somewhere, Rachel Maddow is probably smiling.