'Proud to be gay': Apple CEO Cook publicly proclaims his homosexuality

Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly came out as gay today in an article he wrote in Bloomberg Businessweek. In the article, he says he has been open about his sexual orientation with colleagues at Apple and other people close to him, but has never previously acknowledged his sexual orientation. Cook does not consider himself an activist, but acknowledged that he has benefited from other people’s sacrifices. And, while he wants to maintain his privacy, he wrote that if it helps other people come to terms with homosexuality or inspire others to “insist on their equality,” then his announcement and possible compromise of privacy makes it worthwhile.

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.

Tim Cook, Apple CEO

Cook’s disclosure was greeted by a flood of congratulatory comments on Twitter. “I have so much respect for this man,” a person identifying himself as Andrew Clarke tweeted. It is unclear why Cook chose this moment to go public, but it comes at critical time in American history when a debate is raging over the legality of gay marriage. Apple has a long history of supporting the LGBT community. Earlier this year, the company criticised an Arizona bill that would permit businesses to refuse service on religious grounds, a measure that critics said could allow discrimination against gay people.

When I arrive in my office each morning, I’m greeted by framed photos of Dr. [Martin Luther] King and Robert F. Kennedy. I don’t pretend that writing this puts me in their league. All it does is allow me to look at those pictures and know that I’m doing my part, however small, to help others.

Tim Cook

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