ABC News Anchor Dan Kloeffler Comes Out and Expresses Support for LGBT Youth

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - 3:53pm by Danny Heffernan, GLAAD's Advertising & Campaigns Fellow

Following in the footsteps of actor Zachary Quinto, World News Now anchor Dan Kloeffler came out as a gay man early Monday morning. Kloeffler, who has been out to friends, family, and co-workers for years, spoke about the New York Magazine interview in which Quinto addressed his sexual orientation. As a closing remark in regard to Quinto’s coming out, Kloeffler made a quip about having to rethink his rule against dating actors.
On ABC’s blog, Kloeffler elaborated on his reasons for coming out at this time. Like Quinto, he says, “…I too no longer wanted to hide this part of my life.” Speaking especially to issues facing LGBT youth, Dan says, “There have been too many tragic endings and too many cases of bullying because of intolerance. As a kid I wanted someone to look up to, someone that could relate to the feelings I was having…As a journalist, I don’t want to be the story, but as a gay man I don’t want to stand silent if I can offer some inspiration or encouragement to kids that might be struggling with who they are.”
GLAAD congratulates Dan Kloeffler for taking this important personal step and expressing solidarity and support for the LGBT community.  If you'd like to show your support for LGBT youth and take a stand against bullying, please take a look at our Spirit Day page and pledge to go purple with us on October 20.