After reporting that Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto came out in New York magazine, ABC World News Now anchor Dan Kloeffler came out on air:
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Here’s an excerpt of what he wrote on the ABC News blog about his decision:
Because WNN is a show where you can offer some personality, I had a little fun with the story saying that I would drop my rule against dating actors.
I’ve never shared that I’m gay on-air, even though I’ve been out to my family, friends and co-workers for years. In fact, an old boyfriend – now best friend – has always given me a hard time about not doing so. But for the same reason that Zach decided to come out, I too, no longer wanted to hide this part of my life.
There have been too many tragic endings and too many cases of bullying because of intolerance. As a kid I wanted someone to look up to, someone that could relate to the feelings I was having. Most of all, I wanted to know that it would get better.
And it did.
As a journalist, I don’t want to be the story, but as a gay man I don’t want to stand silent if I can offer some inspiration or encouragement to kids that might be struggling with who they are.
It should be noted that Kloeffler didn’t actually say, “I’m gay.” Kloeffler said, “He’s 34, I’m 35. I’m thinking, I can lose my distraction about dating actors.”
According to Kloeffler, Quinto came out in a “very nonchalant way.” Not only did Kloeffler take inspiration from Quinto to come out, but he also apparently took inspiration from him in the manner of doing so.
Kudos to Kloeffler for coming out and continued success!