Gay biz reporter: My work is better since coming out

In the two months since CNN anchor Richard Quest confirmed to viewers that he is gay, his work as a business reporter has improved, Quest told a group of LGBT media professionals Thursday at the annual National Gay and Lesbian Journalist’s Association gathering in Chicago.

Sunnivie Brydum of The Advocate writes, “‘I decided it was time to come out,’ Quest told the crowd of the moment in late June when he announced he is gay while reporting on a story about the impact of being out at work.

“Quest said his worst fears — that he would lose credibility with viewers or the respect of his colleagues — ‘never materialized,’ according to Gay Star News. In fact, Quest said the quality of his work has improved since coming out because he’s honest about who he is.

“‘I believe you leave opinions and views with your hat and coat at the door,’ Quest told the gathering on Thursday. ‘But I also know that in this new [media] environment, you can no longer say, ‘That’s private, that’s not for discussion.'”

Read more here.