WASHINGTON (CBSDC) — CNN’s Anderson Cooper has come out of the closet.

In an email to The Daily Beast’s Andrew Sullivan, Cooper delves into his sexual orientation.

“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 said in the email to Sullivan.

Cooper added: “I have always been very open and honest about this part of my life with my friends, my family, and my colleagues. 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. I’m not an activist, but I am a human being and I don’t give that up by being a journalist.”

Stuart Gaffney, media director for Marriage Equality USA, calls Cooper coming out a great day for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender community.

“He’s really an important role model for the country but also for our community in particular to have a highly regarded journalist be honest and open about who he really is,”Gaffney told CBSDC. “In another generation this would have been the end of his career. Today, this is essentially something we will celebrate.”

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation thanked Cooper for raising awareness for the LGBT community.

“Even prior to coming out publically, Anderson’s terrific work has raised awareness of inequalities facing LGBT people,” GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said in a statement. “I’m proud to call him my friend. He’s a role model to millions and now will inspire countless others.”

Cooper has hosted “Anderson Cooper 360” since 2003 on CNN and launched his syndicated day-time talk show “Anderson” last September. He also serves as a correspondent for CBS News’ “60 Minutes.”