Andy Cohen, a famous American television host, and producer, is well-known for his work on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" and as an executive producer of "The Real Housewives" franchise. He also advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and has been open about his coming out story.

Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri

Andy Cohen was born on June 2, 1968, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a conservative family, attending an all-boys high school. This made it even more difficult for him to accept his identity. Cohen struggled with his sexuality and felt ashamed of his attraction to other men.

Emily Burack/ File | Andy Cohen's net worth is estimated to be $50 Million

Discovering his identity

It wasn't until he attended Boston University that he began to explore his sexuality and come to terms with his attraction to men. However, he still struggled with the fear of being rejected by his family and friends if he came out.

Career in Television

Cohen's career in television began in the early 2000s when he worked as a producer for CBS News. He eventually moved on to work for Bravo, where he became the host of "Watch What Happens Live" in 2009. It was during this time that he began to feel more comfortable with his sexuality and started to become more open about it.

Getty Images/ CNN | Cohen served as Bravo's executive vice president of Development and Talent until 2013

Coming Out Journey

In 2012, Cohen released his memoir "Most Talkative," wherein he discussed his journey of coming out and its impact on his life. He shared that he struggled with coming out for a long time, afraid of how his family and friends would react. However, he eventually found the courage to come out to his family and friends in his late 20s.

The reaction from his family and friends was mixed. While some were supportive, others struggled to accept his sexuality. Cohen shared that his relationship with his father became strained, and they didn't speak for a few years. However, they eventually reconciled, and Cohen's father became one of his biggest supporters.

Cohen's Coming Out on TV

Cohen has also been open about his sexuality on his talk show, "Watch What Happens Live." He often discusses his dating life and has had many LGBTQ+ guests on his show. In 2018, during an episode of "Watch What Happens Live," Cohen revealed that he was the first openly gay host of a late-night talk show. He also expressed his hope that in the future, LGBTQ+ people wouldn't have to come out, as it would be accepted as part of who they are.

CHARLIE SYKES/ BRAVO MEDIA | Andy Cohen is America's first openly gay talk show host

Impact on the LGBTQ+ community

Cohen's coming out story has significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ community. He has become a role model for many young LGBTQ+ people who struggle with coming out. Cohen's advocacy for the community and his openness about his sexuality has helped to break down barriers and promote acceptance.