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May 16th, 2011
06:40 PM ET
soundoff (27 Responses)
  1. Lorraine

    So much respect for Don Lemon!! We do not care about your sexuality because you are an asset to the human race.

    Please do not be scared or nervous about speaking your truth. Anyone who does not like you for being who you are does not deserve even a nanosecond of your thought process.

    I am a 52 year old mother of two adult children and I would not care if either came to me and declared himself/herself gay. It does not matter because life is too short for that type of foolishness.

    May 16, 2011 at 7:42 pm |
  2. Lore

    Just had a chance to watch your interview Don and thought it was so open and honest. It's hard to believe that you came through such a heartbreaking childhood only to emerge as such a caring, compassionate and honest person. You are a super reporter and your interviews are always well done. Keep up the good work and here's hoping that one day you too will have your own news show on CNN. Take care and thank you for being such a special person!!

    May 16, 2011 at 8:12 pm |
  3. John

    Good for you!!! I don't think I would have had the guts to come out in your situation! Especially with the mess media and journalism in general is in today in this country! Good Luck and remember every gay person who comes out, or straight person who supports gays, is another role model for seriously lonely and troubled people!!! Thanks!!!

    May 16, 2011 at 8:14 pm |
  4. Marlin

    Don,

    Thanks for your wonderful interview and courage. I came out of the closet at 42, left my job as a minister. Thinking public education would be a better world, I have witnessed and been the direct victim of all kinds of bigoted actions.

    Like you said in the interview, there need to be mor of us out. I work as an out teacher and some days it isn't easy, but it is the right thing to do. Keep up the good work.

    Marlin

    May 16, 2011 at 8:35 pm |
  5. Franklin Milley

    Don Lemon has been my favorite news personality for quite some time. I have found him to be refreshingly candid from the beginning. This interview validates his sincerity and his honesty.

    May 16, 2011 at 8:41 pm |
  6. Karen Baker

    Thank you Don lemon for your honesty. It would be nice if the rest of humanity was as honest. I know this was incredibly difficult, but thank you.

    May 16, 2011 at 8:44 pm |
  7. Rene' Johnson

    Don,

    I've watched you on CNN, and you too Brooke, and I wanted to say how proud I am of the courage you have shown to share your story. Don't EVER feel awkward to do so! It will give others courage to share their stories and the more we do, the more we all can heal and lift each other up. I know this first-hand, as I too suffered abuse growing up and later near death domestic violence by my ex-husband. I share some of my story in my book, "Leaving Your Comfort Zone: How to lead your life from the power zone!" and felt awkward at first to do so, but now even share it when I speak, even at business events. I find it makes me more credible and it gives permission for others to champion whatever has been holding them back, be it in life or business. I've used my experiences to help others find their voice and value, inspire great changes in their lives and help them step up into roles of leadership whether it be through service or in their business. We have so much potential to do good with our stories and lead by example. Thank you for sharing yours!

    Rene'

    May 16, 2011 at 8:45 pm |
  8. liz z.

    Dear Don,

    Bless you for speaking out on being gay and being abused as a child.
    Many people will try to say abuse caused you too be gay. Not so,
    you were born to be gay. We are all better for that, as I have a gay son and he is the apple of my eye. If people want to pray, they should pray for more love and understanding for themselves.

    Just keep on going and each step you take may help all of us. You are so brave. Be proud. Don't change.

    Bless you Don. liz

    May 16, 2011 at 8:55 pm |
  9. SeniorSister

    Don, I like your show, like your style, and makes no difference to me but, to thousands you will be a role model, and that is what is so vibrantly important.

    Using your position to show to so many hopeless and confused persons that it is ok to be different (according to society)
    it is ok to be whatever you are, as long as your are good. That there are many many persons who care about people for real, real people with real lives, with real struggles, and your announcement will help those people. I am hopeful that they are appreciative.

    May 16, 2011 at 9:53 pm |
  10. clark

    It's difficult for most people to come out...not just for Don Lemon. I do like anchormen to be honest though. I admire him for that. And we need more like him.

    May 16, 2011 at 10:58 pm |
  11. Inga Jackson

    Don, I am a hetrosexual, married mother of 2. I admire your braveness and honesty. I will continue to support you.

    May 16, 2011 at 11:20 pm |
  12. CJRay

    Bravo Don!!! I saw your story online this morning. You have made a courageous decision that should not need to be courageous.

    A viewer and fan,

    Cynthia D.
    Sarasota, FL

    May 16, 2011 at 11:45 pm |
  13. Leigh Ann Patterson

    Contrats Don.. I am a heterosexual married woman and am very happy for you. I have always enjoyed your anchoring and will continue to enjoy your anchoring. Keep up the awesome work you do. Your one of the best !!

    May 17, 2011 at 1:55 am |
  14. laura from willis

    Heartfelt Good Wishes to DON LEMON.. Loved his reporting before his announcement, and STILL do.

    Don, you are an EXCELLENT Journalist!!!!
    Keep your head up high, and consider the sources, when you read or hear the ignorance of some folks.
    My best to you!
    A fan,
    Laura from Willis šŸ™‚

    May 17, 2011 at 4:05 am |
  15. mwb48

    God loves Don but behavior contrary to his word. American will be judged by our sins. Jesus is coming soon and we are becoming just like Sodomites. God created man and woman Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve and I am sorry I cannot condone this behavior. I will no longer watch CNN when Don is on. It is time the Christians stood up.
    and we spoke our peace boldly

    May 17, 2011 at 10:30 am |
  16. Sandy Albrizzi

    I have always been impressed with what an unfailingly polite person Mr. Lemon is. He always tries to be fair, even with people that I would have trouble having a discussion with at all due to their all out meanness.

    This young man exudes kindness, even as he unveils the truth, and I'm sure that's difficult to do. The revelation that he's gay changes none of this, nor does it change any sensible person's feelings about him.

    For the record I am not gay, nor are my children or grandchildren...as far as I know...However, I want to live in a world where nobody has to be afraid to tell their mother that they happen to be gay. I believe that the more good, sweet people who "come out", the more likely that is to be a reality. Congratulations on finding your voice Mr. Lemon and God bless you.

    A grandma

    May 17, 2011 at 10:37 am |
  17. Robert Miller

    Don Lemon is a terrific television journalist. What else matters?

    Bob Miller
    Adjunct Professor
    Eastern Michigan University

    May 17, 2011 at 10:48 am |
  18. Ora Calhoun

    Don – I am an Episcopal priest. I fully believe that God's children are gifted with many things, including their sexuality. You are a credit to people, race, and your sexuality. I watch your shows and think you are sincere, can do hard-ball, a sense of humor, and honest and truthful. If you are looking for a church, I suggest All Saints Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Great parish.

    You are a delight and salute you for your book and what you are. I hope young people will be encouraged and be able to stand up and have hope.

    God Bless you fellow Pilgrims!

    May 17, 2011 at 12:05 pm |
  19. Rev. Dick Viney

    Hi Don, God Bless you! I am happy for you..I am happy that you "came out". You will be an excellent example for what we need: justice..equality and freedom! Rev. Dick Viney – Ret. United Methodist Minister

    May 17, 2011 at 12:56 pm |
  20. Craig Gaither

    Don, thank you for your courage and strength. You are a top notch gentleman and professional journalist and I admire and appreciate your work and person you are.

    Best regards,
    Craig
    Morrisville, NC

    May 17, 2011 at 3:32 pm |
  21. deb

    Don,
    THANK YOU!
    I am 45 and not out at work, it is hard to be true in every aspect of my life except this one very important place in my life....my classroom, I am a teacher who teaches respect and anti-bullying almost every day... I am living a lie to my students and colleagues.
    bless you,

    May 17, 2011 at 3:35 pm |
  22. Hawaii Val

    You go, Bro. Keep up the good work.

    May 17, 2011 at 3:35 pm |
  23. Robert Massey

    Don, It's amazing that your story has been and is the story of millions of African-American men around the world. The xenophobia within our communities often halt our ability to comeout or speak out for the fear of being labelled. It's a blessing that you are willing to live in your own truth! Let your story be the healing balm for others who struggle with being transparent. God bless you and keep on being a dynamic anchor!

    Director/Writer
    NYC

    May 17, 2011 at 4:41 pm |
  24. Nikkimotheof4

    I admire the courage it took to for you to lay yourself bare like that to the world. A lot of men and women out there may now find the courage to face their abusers and get the help they need to heal from such a traumatic childhood experience. I watched your face during that interview that I could see that you are still dealing with this issue. I hope and pray that one day it will no longer cause your heart to hurt or fill with shame. Hold your head up high and know that you did nothing to deserve such horrible treatment and just maybe you've saved another child from going through this same experience.

    Good for youand God bless you

    May 17, 2011 at 5:17 pm |
  25. Cammie, Norcross, GA.

    Hello Don,

    I caught a couple of your interviews this week and I look forward to reading your book. You are one of my favorite anchors and look forward to date night on Sundays with you, although I'm heterosexual.

    I've always been proud of your journalistic skills but I am proud of you as a person. To not have to "walk on eggshells" anymore must be of great relief.

    Look forward to future reporting from you.

    May 18, 2011 at 12:14 am |
  26. Jerry Roche

    Hi Don,

    Saw the interview...EXCELLENT and good for you. I've been a police officer for 25 years most of it out of the closet. Taking that step out of the closet can bring alot of negative criticism, happily I can tell you the postive far out weighs the negative.

    Once again, good for you.

    Jerry Roche

    May 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm |
  27. Carroll Foddrill

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 6, 2021 at 1:56 pm |

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