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Tim Cook officially comes out as gay in public essay about equality

In an essay published on Bloomberg’s website, Apple CEO Tim Cook has publicly come out as gay. Although his sexuality wasn’t really a secret, this is the first time he has officially confirmed his sexual orientation. Cook says he has relaxed this aspect of privacy to help others as part of Apple’s efforts against discrimination. The essay can be read in full at Bloomberg Businessweek.

At the same time, I believe deeply in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, who said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ” I often challenge myself with that question, and I’ve come to realize that my desire for personal privacy has been holding me back from doing something more important. That’s what has led me to today.

Cook wants the story to be about the needs for equality, rather than his own personal life. He says himself and Apple will continue to fight for equality for all, regardless of background, race, gender or sexual orientation. Cook made similar comments at an Alabama Academy of Honor speech a few days ago.

I’ll admit that this wasn’t an easy choice. Privacy remains important to me, and I’d like to hold on to a small amount of it. I’ve made Apple my life’s work, and I will continue to spend virtually all of my waking time focused on being the best CEO I can be. That’s what our employees deserve—and our customers, developers, shareholders, and supplier partners deserve it, too. Part of social progress is understanding that a person is not defined only by one’s sexuality, race, or gender. I’m an engineer, an uncle, a nature lover, a fitness nut, a son of the South, a sports fanatic, and many other things. I hope that people will respect my desire to focus on the things I’m best suited for and the work that brings me joy.

Some backstory on how the essay came to be:

[tweet https://twitter.com/cue/status/527821903625347072]

[tweet https://twitter.com/JohnLegere/status/527825412135481344]

[tweet https://twitter.com/sundarpichai/status/527850591112802304]

[tweet https://twitter.com/lisapjackson/status/527806147202654208]

[tweet https://twitter.com/satyanadella/status/527839397799264256]

[tweet https://twitter.com/pschiller/status/527806723524792321]

[tweet https://twitter.com/dickc/status/527872832722587649]

[tweet https://twitter.com/billclinton/status/527871526637699073]

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Comments

  1. clokbox - 9 years ago

    Cool

    • Rainy Y (@wobykyxyco) - 9 years ago

      Congrats Tim! now let’s move on! I don’t really like all these ‘coming out’ news stories.

      Seriously, this is 2014, being gay is no big deal! Let them be, let them marry, let them adopt kids… whatever!

      I’m big into personal freedoms and equality. This is one issue I think libertarians are right on the money.

      Drug legalization is another.

      Higher taxes, more welfare, and universal health care, on the other hand, should never happen. Paying my health insurance bill ($400/month from BCBS) is a killer! My car insurance is currently only $25/month (from Insurance Panda).. and my renters insurance is only $15/month from Gotham… but who knows when Obama will try to step in and socialize that? Keep America Free!!!

      Land of the free, home of the brave, right? Equality for everyone. No other way to be.

      • thejuanald - 9 years ago

        And why was this article about a person coming out as gay turned into Obama is destroying the country?

      • “Let’s move on” That sentence shows your lack of understanding and reasoning on why people still feel the need to come out. Just shut up.

      • gen0music - 9 years ago

        I’m not even in the states and I can’t stress how stupid the Obamacare-haters look. I get it, your health insurance is high, but most of that is down to how long your healthcare system has been allowed to up and up it’s prices without you really feeling the fallout. Making everyone in the country take out private health insurance means that the drug you might need on your next operation can cost 10 times as much in the US as it does anywhere else and nobody will notice but the insurance providers. Every time they do that your bill might only go up 1 or 2%, but you do it to over 1000 products over the course of 3 decades and it adds up.

        Put it this way. If nobody ever paid for their car repairs and everyone used their insurance, then mechanics would make $200k a year whilst exponentially multiplying the price of every repair when they hand the bill to the insurers. Slowly the insurance premiums would go up until suddenly some people couldn’t afford to have any insurance, and sure as hell couldn’t afford to pay for repairs without insurance. When someone tries to start regulating that market, and the first thing they do is make sure that everyone can actually afford to get insured. Enter the Affordable Car Repairs act.

        Private health insurance in the UK can be had from as little as $10/month (BUPA), and we have NHS covering nearly everything anyway. Why? Because we never had an insurance economy to start with.

        Truth of the matter is a purely Capitalist society is a horrible, inefficient and dangerous environment once it matures to the stage in which there are monopolies. Just look at how much you guys pay for internet. I pay $30/m for 100MB up/down, and can purchase the same plan anywhere in my country because my gov’t didn’t sell monopolies to telcos. You pay 3 to 10 times that, sometimes for only 5mb up/down.

        On the other hand, in the UK car insurance is a growing monopoly and new drivers pay in the region of $300/month for a city car. Driving something over 1.2 ptrs ing our first 3 years of driving requires more than the average new driver’s parent’s total salary.

        Back to the topic.

        I find it fascinating that only 1.4% of the US population are reportedly LGBT (I say reportedly due to those still in the closet) and yet there’s such a disproportionate amount in entertainment and public facing roles. Maybe those that are LGBT and out of the closet have predispositions to be extroverts, or after the drama that coming out entails for many they are more able to cope with the spotlight.

      • Jirka Stejskal - 9 years ago

        Let them be, let them marry. I do not agree, however to let them adopt children. Adopting children is not about the freedom of LGBT. They are free to do whatever then can. If then can born a child, so be it. If they cannot, they cannot. Equality has no meaning here.

    • trinities - 9 years ago

      I image all the apple fans now say : ooh look ! he is gay! being gay is cool! lets be gay too! :D Seriously, i think he has been doing S3X with Craig Federighi…

      What a perverse company Apple has become since steve jobs died…

      Disgustingly looking iOS 7, tedious as fu** in speed,
      iPhone 6 look like a chinese knock off,
      give me a break…

      Apple probably never again…

  2. chris.george - 9 years ago

    Maybe I’m missing something, but why is this news at all? Who cares what someone’s sexual orientation is? All that really matters is that they’re a talented, driven individual.

    Not to mention, Apple doesn’t target most who would care anyway.

    • houstonche - 9 years ago

      It’s apple related news.

    • Martin Beutling - 9 years ago

      Oh, come on Chris, you can’t be that naïve…..
      Although I completely agree with you, I am sure that not a small number of your fellow americans now want to burn their iDevices…..because they come from a company that is led by a homosexual person.
      Race, gender and sexual orientation do count in the “land of the free, home of the brave”.

      • chris.george - 9 years ago

        It’s not about being naive – the message I was sending was pretty simple.

        “Get over using someone’s orientation, skin color, et al to push social issues and start judging them on their merits as a person”.

        Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it will help a TON of people who might be struggling to come out – but don’t you think this is small compared to the, now, accelerated pace of making gay marriage legal.

    • mrobertson21 - 9 years ago

      Uh what? exactly what demographic is it that you think “wouldn’t care” about gay issues?

    • standardpull - 9 years ago

      Because in America, any public figure that publicly discloses his homosexuality upsets a very large number of people.

      I have no doubt that some well-known, privately-held corporations will go to the length of prohibiting the procurement of Apple devices. Shameful? Yes. American? Sadly.

    • jmob (@jmob) - 9 years ago

      Basically, you want people to react like the next generation will. That is to say, no reaction at all. We are not there yet and that’s why it’s interesting and, that’s why its news. I love the fact that all these conservative anti-equality hillbillies are now faced with the reality that one of the most successful companies in the world is run by a gay man who is just killing it. Tim Cook being open about his sexuality is going to change things. Maybe not by a huge amount but, it’s an important moment.

    • Tom Shelton - 9 years ago

      This is important because it shows that gay people represent all facets of society. Tim is proving to the impressionable teenager questioning their sexuality and the entire world that you can be gay, confident and successful.

      Exposure and coming out of the closet is the best way to combat homophobia.

      • The guy is CEO of a technology company. The VAST majority of people around the world would never of heard of him. As an impressionable teenager I had absolutely ZERO interest in who was CEO of Atari, just like the majority of teenagers wouldn’t have a clue who the CEO of Sony or Microsoft.

        Fair play to the guy for being brave enough to come out but make no mistake, the guy isn’t the Pope.

    • It shouldn’t be news but do you know why it is? Because it’s important to shed light on it due to the amount of abuse that gay people still have to go through.

    • Dan (@danmdan) - 9 years ago

      Who cares ? – well one group of fanatics care – alas we are not in an understanding world. Some people in some places would just execute him !

  3. Personally as a gay person myself, I don’t think you need to tell everyone at large what your sexual orientation is unless you feel it’s important for whatever reasons. As a CEO, Tim Cook will only be judged (by fair and open minded people) about how much cash flow and profit Apple generates.

    But kudos to him anyway. He’s not the first gay person in any company and not likely to be the last, not that it should make a difference; it’s all about being able to do the job… well!

  4. 89p13 - 9 years ago

    This is a total personal choice for Tim – and if it helps him to admit his sexuality, good for both him and, hopefully, Apple.

  5. I can already imagine the next Apple product presentation with laser shows and fog machines. I can say that I’m gay.

  6. rahhbriley - 9 years ago

    Go Tim! We all knew, didnt care. I’m sure there’s a bit of weight lifted from his shoulders. Carry on sir!

  7. carmenia83 - 9 years ago

    It took me so long to read that quote because I couldnt NOT read it in Tim’s voice in my head.

  8. Sebastian Rasch - 9 years ago

    All Apple fanboys are becoming gay now as well. :P

  9. Good for him. It has to be a good sign for everyone when a gay man can be the CEO of one of the most influential companies out there.

  10. Toro Volt (@torovolt) - 9 years ago

    Awesome, I am gay too.
    My Gaydar was accurate. LOL

  11. TechPeeve (@TechPeeve) - 9 years ago

    This will make it easier for me to come out as a cannibal later this year.

  12. repentantgamer - 9 years ago

    In a few months, Samsung’s CEO will come out as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning. Then he’ll make fun of Tim Cook for lack of orientation features. You heard it here first.

  13. sparklehedgehog - 9 years ago

    If it doesn’t matter whether you’re gay or not why does he have to highlight it publicly?! You don’t see any other CEO shouting out that they’re straight or whatever so this is clearly a marketing ploy.

    Also, quoting God as giving him this as a gift?! Read the bible Cook!

    I don’t care what he is but I hate the overstating and announcing of stuff like this nowadays from people that want attention. Just live your life as you want but don’t ram it down my throat. I don’t do it to you.

    Yawn…

    • Andrew Messenger - 9 years ago

      Check your privilege.

    • standardpull - 9 years ago

      You say you don’t care.
      And you want Cook to keep these things to himself.
      And you want Cook to interpret your bible as you do.
      And you say you want public figures to act as you want.
      And you publicly complain about Cook’s actions.
      You seem very upset by this.

      • sparklehedgehog - 9 years ago

        Like I said if being gay doesn’t matter why shout about it when a heterosexual person doesn’t shout about being heterosexual?

        I don’t care what he is just like he doesn’t care what I am but I didn’t globally announce what I am so who’s highlighting their sexuality?!

        If you can’t interpret what the bible in question says then you need to go back to school as its black and white! Also, I’m not religious so not my bible

        Act as they want these public figures but highlighting it makes it worse and is unnecessary. You are clearly one of the loud ones that can’t just be it but insist on shouting about it for no reason other than to be disruptive.

        Those are the types of people I can’t stand. Be gay, be religious it’s up to the individual but don’t go round shouting about t like everybody else cares as we don’t ram our views down your throats just be who you wanna be and be happy. Don’t insist on everybody having your view as it indicates you’re not comfortable with it if you need to shout about it

      • thejuanald - 9 years ago

        You’re sure shouting about your views.

      • Andrew Messenger - 9 years ago

        doesn’t care, continues to write the longest comments on the topic… funny.

      • trinities - 9 years ago

        “And you say you want public figures to act as you want.”

        You satanic prick want to get anihilated by the bible (that is- the tool of deception you use, anyway) but lets read from 1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.…

    • TechSHIZZLE.com - 9 years ago

      @sparkle: wow, unbelievable.

      It’s exactly that attitude that makes me glad Tim wrote that essay.

      • sparklehedgehog - 9 years ago

        It doesn’t need saying. It’s this attitude of yours that alienates sexual orientations more

      • TechSHIZZLE.com - 9 years ago

        @sparkle: Yeah, it’s acceptance that alienates people. Not the people who actively and openly discriminate against others.

        The truth of the matter is that some members of minority groups see the active and open discrimination against others and are afraid to be themselves and live their lives according to who they are to avoid similar discrimination. These people need to be reminded that it’s ok and even admirable to be who they are, and that this kind of support by someone in Tim’s position can be truly helpful and inspiring. What’s so wrong with that?

    • levi1922 - 9 years ago

      As you shove your beliefs down our throat…

    • Edison Wrzosek - 9 years ago

      You don’t want to hear about Cook’s sexual orientation, but yet you go preaching to all of us here off the deep end? Get out you self-entitled nobody.

    • The reason gay people are afraid to come out is because they have been told time and time again to not talk about it. And you get annoyed that he did it publicly? You’re part of the problem.

    • trinities - 9 years ago

      and Lol…
      “If you can’t interpret what the bible in question says then you need to go back to school as its black and white!”
      these satanic fk**rs are actually claiming that because elsewhere in the bible it is written to Love each other as a commandement that it is WRONG to express hatered towards gay people…

      For it is also written : hate evil with all your hearts !

      Proverbs 8:13″The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.
      Psalm 97:10 Hate evil, you who love the LORD
      Romans 12:9
      Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
      Psalm 145:20
      The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
      >>>>Psalm 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when they see God take revenge,for they shall wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.<<<<!!!!!

  14. TechSHIZZLE.com - 9 years ago

    Way to go, Tim.

  15. jedimindtrick99 - 9 years ago

    But I thought we knew he was gay?? Why is this news?!

    • standardpull - 9 years ago

      Because in America there are an inordinate amount of people that actively discriminate and even physically attack gay people. Particularly in the region where Cook was born and raised.

  16. Carlos R. Batista - 9 years ago

    Awesome news. He has the power to be a great role model for the LGBT community and he is using that power. I can’t be any happier with Apple’s leadership that is so driven by a sense of equality and respect for human rights.

    • The guy is CEO of a tech company. The vast majority of people around the world will have absolutely no idea who he is. He’s not exactly Ghandi is he.

      Even David Beckham would have more of an influence on the LGBT community if he came out.

  17. Vitaliy Pomazyonkov - 9 years ago

    How about Apple cheated it’s users by pushing in their devices U2 album with abstract white cover and then after several weeks changed it’s to gay cover? I don’t like neither dislike gays, but don’t wanna be bothered with such unfair behavior when they put gay photos on my devices when i never asked for that.

    • spleish - 9 years ago

      You’re a specialt kind of ignorant. The new album cover is U2 drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. and his son. It is a provocative image depicting love between a father and his child, and has nothing to do with homosexuality, heterosexuality, or anything else related to this story.

    • thejuanald - 9 years ago

      You should really check out the Death Grips – No Love Deep Web album cover. I’m sure that will be much more to your liking.

  18. redfortysix - 9 years ago

    Although I respect Tim Cook and love Apple and will continue using and buying Apple products, He should never say being gay is a gift from God.

    • blachblah - 9 years ago

      Totally agree. Because God doesn’t exist.

    • Hernán Giardinelli - 9 years ago

      Why? I don’t believe in God. But he does. Good for him. Times are changing. For good of course

      • trinities - 9 years ago

        The righteous one will rejoice when he sees the retribution; he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

        these satanic fk**rs are actually claiming that because elsewhere in the bible it is written to Love each other as a commandement that it is WRONG to express hatered towards gay people…

        For it is also written : hate evil with all your hearts !

        Proverbs 8:13″The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.
        Psalm 97:10 Hate evil, you who love the LORD
        Romans 12:9
        Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
        Psalm 145:20
        The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
        >>>>Psalm 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when they see God take revenge,for they shall wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.<<<<!!!!!

  19. Edward (@archurban) - 9 years ago

    I see. that’s why Apple has been so gay! shame.

  20. “I’m gay, too!” — Boo-Keun Yoon, Samsung CEO

  21. So why is this a story? Why the congrats? I don’t get the point. Someone enlighten me.

    • Andrew Messenger - 9 years ago

      Because people still get bullied, harassed, tormented, or jailed, or even murdered for being gay. On top of that, LGBT youth are statistically four times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers. That is why this is a story, and that is why we congratulate Tim for being open, honest, and true to himself.

      • Interesting, except WRONG. Your are also inferring that the “straight world” is responsible for LGBT youth increased suicide rate, which is a dumb assumption, to say the least. Maybe your suicide rate is correct but don’t blame the straight world.

      • Andrew Messenger - 9 years ago

        @Howard, if you think my comment infers anything about heterosexuals being responsible for LGBT youth suicide, reading comprehension is definitely not your strong suit. All it says is that LGBT youth statistically commit suicide are four times more likely to commit suicide than heterosexual youth. If you inferred blame from my post, that’s all on you.

  22. drtyrell969 - 9 years ago

    Bravo.

  23. Jim - 9 years ago

    Yea, why the fuck do I care if he sucks cock. You make computers and telephones .. next

  24. rettun1 - 9 years ago

    To all the people who say “I don care if he is gay, but…”,
    It is pretty obvious where you stand on the issue, you aren’t fooling anybody haha

  25. There are no gay issues, nor gay rights, there are only individual issues. The longer people like you continue to collectivize society into groups, the longer we will be segregated one from another. Chris is dead right. This is a complete non-issue. Tim Cook likes other men. So what. Where’s my Apple Watch?

  26. REdneck (@Cedarvale8) - 9 years ago

    Forget your sexual orientation and come up with something innovative. Nothing new since Jobs!

  27. Atef AlShehri (@iAtef) - 9 years ago

    Being gay, is a setback for pure human nature.

  28. trinities - 9 years ago

    Wow I suspected it at first… Anyone else? Finally i don´t have to worry about other rumors, this just proves how he f***ed up iOS 7 and beyond (probably because of his style preference).

    GOODBYE APPLE!

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Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.