Growing up as a gay child, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper thought he would never be able to have his own children

Anderson Cooper, the renowned CNN anchor and journalist, has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional reporting and his personal life. In a surprising turn of events, Cooper, who was nearing 60 when he became a father, has once again demonstrated his ability to defy expectations and redefine relationships.

At the age of 53, Anderson Cooper welcomed his first child, a son named Wyatt Morgan, into the world. This milestone was particularly significant for Cooper, who, as a gay man, had once thought that parenthood might not be possible for him. “As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child,” he shared.

The story of Cooper’s journey to fatherhood is intertwined with his long-term relationship with Benjamin Maisani. The two had been a couple for over a decade, but in 2018, they announced that they had separated as romantic partners. However, the two remained deeply connected, even describing themselves as “family to each other” and professing their continued love.

Cooper and Maisani’s decision to maintain a close friendship and co-parenting relationship, even after their romantic partnership had ended, has been a testament to their commitment to each other and their shared values. In a world where breakups often lead to bitter divisions, their ability to sustain a healthy, supportive relationship is truly inspiring.

As a single father, Cooper has faced unique challenges, including navigating the complexities of raising a child without a traditional parental unit. However, he has embraced this new chapter with remarkable resilience and determination. Cooper has openly shared his journey, providing insights and inspiration to other LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents who may be considering starting a family.

Cooper’s decision to become a father has also had a profound impact on the broader LGBTQ+ community. By openly sharing his experiences, he has helped to normalize and validate the idea of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples becoming parents. This representation is crucial, as it challenges societal assumptions and paves the way for greater acceptance and understanding.

The arrival of Wyatt Morgan has undoubtedly been a life-changing event for Anderson Cooper. In the years to come, as Wyatt grows and thrives, the legacy of his father’s journey will continue to inspire and touch the lives of many. Cooper’s story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the unwavering love that can transcend traditional boundaries.

In a heartwarming and deeply personal announcement, renowned television personality Anderson Cooper shared the joyous news of the birth of his first child, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, in May 2020. The CNN anchor’s journey to fatherhood was filled with emotion, as he paid tribute to his late parents and embraced the support of his former partner, Benjamin Maisani, in co-parenting their son.

Anderson revealed that he had chosen Wyatt’s name in honor of his own father, who had passed away when Anderson was just ten years old. The middle name, Morgan, was a family name from his mother’s side, the Vanderbilts, and one that both of his parents had liked. The news anchor shared that he had found a list his parents had made 52 years ago when deciding what to name him, making Wyatt’s name a touching connection to his family’s past.

Wyatt was born weighing a healthy 7.2 pounds, and Anderson described him as “sweet, and soft, and healthy.” The journalist expressed his immense gratitude to the surrogate who carried and cared for his son, as well as the surrogate’s family for their unwavering support throughout the process.

Anderson acknowledged the “weird” situation of still living with his former partner, Benjamin Maisani, even after their breakup. However, the two men had a strong co-parenting relationship, with Benjamin fully embracing his role in Wyatt’s life. Anderson noted that Wyatt would likely call Benjamin “Papa” in his native French, while Anderson would be “Dad” or “Daddy.”

The news anchor shared that becoming a father had “changed everything” for him. He now woke up earlier to cherish the precious moments with his son, and the little boy’s smiles and stretches filled Anderson with immense joy. However, the new dad also admitted to being “more tired than I’ve ever been” in the early months of Wyatt’s life.

In February 2022, Anderson announced the arrival of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, born via surrogate. The newborn, who weighed 6.8 pounds at birth, would also be co-parented by Anderson and Benjamin, who was in the process of adopting Wyatt as well.

Anderson Cooper’s journey to fatherhood has been a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unwavering bond of family. From honoring his late parents to embracing an unconventional co-parenting arrangement, the news anchor has navigated the joys and challenges of parenthood with grace and heart. As he expands his family, Anderson’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that love and family can blossom in the most unexpected ways.

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