Apple chief executive officer (CEO) Tim Cook has openly and publicly acknowledged his sexuality, stating that he is "proud to be gay."
With this statement, Cook hopes to help those who are still struggling with their identity and sexuality.
In a new article he wrote for Bloomberg Businessweek, Tim Cook explains that while he has been open about his sexuality, he has also chosen to keep this aspect somewhat private until now. The CEO reckoned that publicly acknowledging one's sexuality is not easy, but it's all worth it if it can help and inspire others.
"For years, I've been open with many people about my sexual orientation. Plenty of colleagues at Apple know I'm gay, and it doesn't seem to make a difference in the way they treat me. Of course, I've had the good fortune to work at a company that loves creativity and innovation and knows it can only flourish when you embrace people's differences. Not everyone is so lucky," wrote the CEO in an article on Thursday, Oct. 30.
"While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven't publicly acknowledged it either, until now. So let me be clear: I'm proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me."
"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."
While Cook's public announcement may come as no big surprise for corporate America or Silicon Valley, it holds great weight and significance for the gay community. Having the head of one of the most valuable and prestigious companies in the world talk openly about his sexuality, gay pride, and gay rights will surely be of great inspiration to millions of people worldwide, and should help boost acceptance and respect for this "minority," as Cook himself calls it.
Even in this day and age, many people still have strict views and opinions regarding homosexuality, and even in the liberal U.S. many gay people still struggle to fit in, feel accepted, and be proud of their sexuality. Cook's message aims to help change that, and his voice is definitely one that echoes far.
