Q&A on the News

Q: Is Robin Roberts a lesbian? — Bernice White, Smyrna

A: Roberts, a “Good Morning America” co-anchor, announced she was gay in a Facebook post in December 2013.

She wrote, “I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health. I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life. I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together. I am grateful for the many prayers and well wishes for my recovery. I return every one of them to you 100 fold.”

Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Then in 2012, she was diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow disease called myelodysplastic syndrome, which often is fatal. Her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, donated bone marrow for a transplant.

Her partner is Amber Laign, according to media reports.

Roberts in October received a National Leadership Award from the National LGBTQ Task Force.

“By coming out as a lesbian while a national news personality, Robin Roberts has been a role model for countless LGBTQ people,” Rea Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, said in a press release announcing the award.

“We are excited to honor her as a lesbian woman and media leader. Roberts stands for who we are and what is important in our society: authentic, genuine, courageous and dedicated to the hard work of journalism.”

Q&A on the News runs Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).