Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly disclosed that he is gay, in an opinion piece. Cook becomes the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, as per gays rights group Human Rights Campaign, who praised the Apple chief’s essay. Though there have been widespread speculations about his sexuality, Tim Cook explains why he made up his mind to publicly acknowledge it.
In an essay published by Bloomberg Businessweek advocating for human rights and equality, Cook stated that he was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King to set aside his desire for privacy to work on something “more important.”
“While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven’t publicly acknowledged it either, until now,” writes 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.”
“Tim Cook’s announcement today will save countless lives,” says HRC President Chad Griffin. “He has always been a role model, but today millions across the globe will draw inspiration from a different aspect of his life.”
Cook also added that he has been open with others about being gay, but at the same time, felt forced to publicly come out to help others. “I don’t consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I’ve benefited from the sacrifice of others,” writes Cook.
“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.”
