Apple CEO Tim Cook: “I’m proud to be Gay”

Tim Cook is in control of one of the most powerful companies in the world, and during his tenure as Apple’s CEO, he has made it a point to boost his company’s charitable efforts and speak out on what he sees as important social causes. Most recently, Cook participated in the San Francisco Pride Parade and earlier this week spoke out about how his home state of Alabama has been slow to respond on LGBT rights.
 
Today, Cook is speaking out on a more personal note in a BusinessWeek op-ed to tell that world that he is gay. “While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven’t publicly acknowledged it either, until now,” said Cook. “So let me be clear: I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.”
 
Like many who are constantly in the media spotlight, Cook has tried to keep certain aspects of his life strictly private. As Cook explained, “I come from humble roots, and I don’t seek to draw attention to myself.” He didn’t want the focus to be on him, but on the products that Apple makes.

Apple CEO Tim Cook [Image Source: Forbes]   
As to why he is coming out now, Cook explains:
  I don’t consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I’ve benefited from the sacrifice of others. So if hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it’s worth the trade-off with my own privacy.  
Cook went on to add that he and Apple will continue to stand up for what’s right, and that includes supporting basic human rights, workplace equality, marriage equality, and anti-discrimination legislation.