Andy's Pride and Joy

Andy Cohen talks to Us about being a gay role model, fatherhood and the Housewives

- JAIME HARKIN

Andy Cohen became the first-ever openly gay host of a late A night talk show when Watch What Happens Live debuted in 2009. The 56-year-old dad to son Ben, 5, and daughter Lucy, 2, has publicly championed LGBTQ+ rights for years: He's served as the ambassador for the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, raised money for victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting and was honored with the Vito Russo Award by GLAAD in 2019. He also uses his platforms, including his SiriusXM channel, Radio Andy, to speak out on causes close to his heart.

Cohen says his status as a gay icon isn't one he takes lightly: "Anytime a mom comes up to me and says, 'I have a gay son, and we like watching your show together,' or a gay person says, 'I've watched you all my life, and it meant something to see that you were OK and happy,' that means a lot." Here, the Emmy-winning producer, who recently teamed up with Fresca Mixed to invite fans 21 and older to join the Fresca Mixed Club, tells Us more about his life today.

How will you be commemorating Pride Month this year?

I'm going to split town and celebrate at my [Hamptons] beach house. Pride is wherever I am.

Your son, Ben, is 5. Have you talked to him at all about Pride?