Anderson Cooper has thanked fans for their support after his decision to come out as gay.

The CNN news anchor was in Botswana filming when his sexuality was made public for the first time.

Cooper wrote on Twitter: 'I appreciate all the nice tweets. I am in Botswana working but want to wish everyone a great 4th of July!'

In an interview published yesterday, the journalist bluntly stated: 'The fact is, I'm gay'.

He said that he did not want people to think he is 'trying to hide something' and that he is 'proud' of who he is.

In candid comments he said that he was taking a stand because 'the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible'.

The 45-year-old added he was moved by recent events such as Barack Obama's endorsement of gay marriage - and hopes his example will put an end to bullying.

Cooper's sexuality has long been an open secret in TV circles, but for him to state it publicly is a brave and bold move.

He is also one of the most high profile people to come out in recent years, given that he hosts CNN's 'Anderson Cooper 360' and his own daytime TV talk show.

Cooper came out by giving permission for friend  Andrew Sullivan, who is openly gay, to print an email exchange between them on the Daily Beast.

In it he said: 'The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.

'I have always been very open and honest about this part of my life with my friends, my family, and my colleagues.