Robin Roberts reveals she is gay in thank-you note to GMA fans

[Are_grits_groceries]

'Good Morning America' co-host, Robin Roberts, thanked her loved ones and her 'long-time girlfriend,' Amber Laign, for their support during her year of breast cancer-related treatment in touching Facebook message.

In a touching pre-New Year's message, "Good Morning America" co-host and cancer survivor Robin Roberts gratefully thanked her loved ones for a milestone year of health, among them she mentioned her longtime girlfriend.

It was the first time the popular ABC News morning show host had publicly acknowledged that she is a lesbian.
<snip>Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/robin-roberts-reveals-gay-note-gma-fans-article-1.1560929#ixzz2ouODTXIZ

This is huge!
Robin is one of the best liked and most respected people on tv. This goes from her GMA audience to those who watched her for years on ESPN.
When Robin first anchored SportsCenter on ESPN, there were many complaints. In the next week or two it changed completely. Viewers began asking for her.
I wish her nothing but the best!

[nolabear]

1. LOL! We posted this at the same time. Race you...

Click me! Click me!

[Agschmid]

2. Good for her!

[Number23]

3. "When Robin first anchored SportsCenter on ESPN, there were many complaints."

Why?

[Are_grits_groceries]

6. Guess.

First she was a woman. That creates an immediate neanderthal response.
Secondly she is African-American. That was greeted by the usual racist jackasses.

However, after her first week or two, those who watched realized she was a very good anchor. In addition, she has a very warm personality. Robin is perceived as a truly genuine person. She could also convey humor, straight up knowledge, gravitas or whatever was needed for a story.

The true assholes never stopped. However, that's true across the board if you read comments or responses to tweets. They are beyond vile.

[dsc]

13. I honestly doubt her race was much of a factor

there have been black commentators on sports programs for a fairly long time. Gender on the other hand, that had much to do with it.

[MrMickeysMom]

20. I've noticed when women come off with too much "androgyny" ...

It doesn't matter where (mostly sports, though)… the knuckles … they start to drag gin….

[kelliekat44]

4. But didn't we all know that? I really didn't know it was a secret. I have admired her all along.

[WillowTree]

7. Me, too. I thought she went public quite awhile ago.

Regardless, I'm glad that she seems to be doing so well again.

[Are_grits_groceries]

9. It was believed but never confirmed.

I have watched her for many years and there was never any verification. She and those close to her were very protective of her privacy. There were rumors, but openly acknowledging it is a big step.

[Egnever]

5. Cool!

Never heard of her but good for her.

[one_voice]

8. Good for her!

She's shown so much courage in her life this should come as no surprise (not that gay part the courage to come out publicly). She's a very brave woman and has been through so much she should be happy and not hide who she is.

Kudos to you Robin, be happy and healthy with who you are!

[JI7]

10. i believe she has been openly gay for a while now

[Are_grits_groceries]

11. No she hasn't.

This was the first time she openly acknowledged it. It has been rumored for years, but never confirmed by her until now.

[merrily]

17. Yes, she has.

You are conflating making a public announcement of some kind with living openly, as opposed to living closeted.

Robin did the same as Rosie O'Donnell did before her announcement.

Both of them lived openly with their life partners. Everyone who knew them personally knew they were gay and also who their life partner was.

It's just that neither of them made a public announcement. People live openly as heterosexuals without making an announcement.

[X_Digger]

12. Good for her!!

I hadn't heard the name; googled her photo, still don't recognize her. (I don't do sports or morning shows.)

[Pretzel_Warrior]

14. That has to be one of the least surprising coming out statements ever

Right up there with Brian Boitano and Clay Aiken.

[merrily]

18. Still, you would be surprised at who prefers not to notice unless and until

an announcement is made.

So, the announcement does mean something, especially to younger people contemplating suicide.

And, it can cost people in show business and sports fans, maybe even careers. Not in every case, but, if I were a NASCAR driver, I might think a hundred times before coming out.

So, it's not a yawn. I give every one of them credit.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

25. Oh definitely. That's why so many were cagey about things for so long

Because in times past they could lose jobs, endorsements, etc. by announcing it.

[merrily]

26. Still can.

Though they may not necessarily be as obvious about it.

For example, JC Penney defended it's ads featuring Ellen DeGeneres. But, they soon dwindled to almost nothing after all the religious right complaints, then disappeared entirely.

And losing fans, which means losing ticket sales or TV ratings, both of which lead to losing jobs and other things, still very much happens.

[DeSwiss]

15. K&R

[YOHABLO]

16. Nothing personal against Robin .. but anyone with a little gaydar had her pegged long ago.

[merrily]

19. Yes, but not everyone has "gaydar." Please see Reply 18.

[TBF]

21. I look forward to

The day when this is not considered "news" and people can just love whom they wish.

[mckara]

22. Next, Someone Will Post: The Sun Rises in the East!

[LauraGrg]

23. Duh? Robin is gay

What does it matter? She is a lovely, talented, brave person. Her character is exemplary and that is what matters.

[question everything]

24. Wishing her the best of health (nt)

[KentuckyWoman]

27. It's embarrassing what passes for news.

[liberal_at_heart]

28. That is great. I'm glad she has love in her life.