Last week I posted an article on Facebook of Anderson Cooper holding hands as he walked the red carpet with his boyfriend, Benjamin Maisani, at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 14th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit in New York City.

Of course, here were the usual comments of “Why is this news?” and “Who cares?” and “Phwroar Hot”

I want to explain why it’s important to me.

It’s 2015. In most of the UK. the US and other countries same-sex marriage is legal,  however LGBT men and women can’t walk down the road holding hands without epithets being hurled at them, or at risk of being beaten up.  They get asked to leave restaurants for a kiss. Sometimes they get attacked simply for being gay.

A visible affirmative action like sporting heroes and actors coming out of the closet is great. It’s important for LGBT people to see people like them. They are not alone. But a simple action of holding hands shows something to the world. Anderson Cooper can be affectionate with his boyfriend and children don’t panic, dogs don’t run down the street barking at the sight and the world doesn’t end.

Simple, boring, normal.

Holding hands.

When my gay friends can walk down the road without one foul word aimed their way, without a scowl or a glare, then Anderson Cooper holding hands isn’t news. But for now it is.