Sam Champion, the Good Morning
America weather anchor, has said he was inspired by Anderson
Cooper's coming out gay.
The 51-year-old Champion recently
announced he's engaged to photographer Rubem Robierb, marking the
first time he has public addressed his sexual orientation.
Cooper came out gay in July after
dodging for years rumors he's gay.
(Related: Anderson
Cooper came out to show he's a proud gay man.)
“It's not easy,” Champion told The
New York Daily News about coming out. “So whenever anyone does
do it, it makes it easier for everybody, just a little bit.”
He also discussed his wedding plans.
“It's gonna be very small,” he
said. “We're just kind of in the planning stages, but we're
people who would just grab a bottle of Champagne, head to the beach
and call it a day.”
He said the pair would marry in New
York, followed by a New Year's Day reception in Miami, where Robierb
has a photo studio.
(Related: Ben
Affleck, Ricky Martin support newly out Sam Champion, Orlando Cruz.)