Apple CEO Tim Cook: 'I'm Proud to Be Gay'

Apple CEO Tim Cook: ‘I’m Proud to Be Gay’

Cook announced his sexual orientation in an opinion editorial

By William White, InvestorPlace Writer Oct 30, 2014, 11:50 am EDT October 30, 2014

Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook discussed his sexual orientation in an opinion editorial published by Businessweek.

During his piece, Tim Cook said:

Throughout my professional life, I’ve tried to maintain a basic level of privacy. I come from humble roots, and I don’t seek to draw attention to myself. Apple is already one of the most closely watched companies in the world, and I like keeping the focus on our products and the incredible things our customers achieve with them.

During his Businessweek op-ed, Tim Cook said that he’s been open about being gay with his colleagues at Apple. He said that this hasn’t affected how they treat him and that he’s lucky to work in an environment that is supportive of people’s differences.

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.

The Apple CEO also said:

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.

To read Tim Cook’s full op-ed with Businessweek, click here.

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