Earlier today, Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook published an essay in Bloomberg BusinessWeek publicly acknowledging for the first time that he’s gay. In so doing, he not only confirmed something that had been long assumed, he also became the only openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Naturally, the essay brought out a number of reactions from people in the business world, the media and politics, plus more than a few activist groups. Here are some of the major responses.
Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson, via Twitter:
Inspirational words from Apple CEO Tim Cook on being gay, and standing up for equality http://t.co/5UXOc6vGY9
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) October 30, 2014
Former President Bill Clinton, via Twitter:
From one son of the South and sports fanatic to another, my hat's off to you, @Tim_cook. http://t.co/1dXvRa2Nhu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) October 30, 2014
House Minority Leader and San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi:
.@tim_cook, congrats on taking pride and making it easier for others throughout the world to do so!
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 30, 2014
Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, via Twitter:
Inspired by @tim_cook: “Life’s most persistent & urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’" http://t.co/wjzW5QPxqY via @BW
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) October 30, 2014
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, via Facebook:
Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington:
Quote of the Day: “I’m proud to be gay.” — Apple CEO Tim Cook http://t.co/AUnZ0T8yrR
— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) October 30, 2014
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the business voice of the LGBT community, commends Tim Cook for his moving and heartfelt coming out essay. While his story and success are unique, we are proud to say we hear about similar journeys every day from the LGBT Americans, including those who are part of NGLCC. Our goal is to expand economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. Tim’s words today will help us in that mission. They also serve as an opening of the door for other LGBT CEOs and senior executives to move forward in knowing there is a safe place for them in the business world.
StartOut, a group supporting LGBT entrepreneurs, CEO Gene Falk:
While there have been substantial gains for the community in representation and visibility in politics, entertainment, journalism and now even sports, in too many places the corporate closet continues to flourish, and there are virtually no role models in the senior ranks of the business community. Today that changed. Tim’s leadership of Apple has not been, and will not be, defined by his being out. It will only be enhanced because now he’s empowered to lead without hiding.
Anthony Watson, CIO of Nike and GLAAD Board of Directors, via Twitter:
Thank you @tim_cook for publicly standing up and showing the world one can be a successful executive AND #LGBT! Today is a GREAT day.
— Anthony Watson CBE (@AnthonyWatson) October 30, 2014
Phillip Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide at Apple, via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/pschiller/status/527806723524792321
Jason Collins, first openly gay active NBA player, via Twitter:
So proud of Apple CEO @tim_cook. "We pave the sunlit path toward justice together, brick by brick." Read his story http://t.co/iGtVNCb1XO
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) October 30, 2014
Barney Frank, the first Congressman to voluntarily come out as gay, speaking on CNBC:
“When the man who has been the leader for several years with great success of one of the most important … businesses in America, says, ‘Oh by the way, you know those people about whom you have these negative feelings, well I’m one of them.’ That does such an enormous amount to diminish the negative feelings. I am very grateful for him doing it.”
Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin:
Tim Cook’s announcement today will save countless lives. He has always been a role model, but today millions across the globe will draw inspiration from a different aspect of his life. Tim Cook is proof that LGBT young people can dream as big as their minds will allow them to, whether they want to be doctors, a U.S. Senator, or even CEO of the world’s biggest brand.
Arthur D. Levinson, chairman of Apple’s Board:
Tim has our wholehearted support and admiration in making this courageous personal statement. His decision to speak out will help advance the cause of equality and inclusion far beyond the business world. On behalf of the board and our entire company, we are incredibly proud to have Tim leading Apple.
John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile, via Twitter:
Right on, @tim_cook
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) October 30, 2014
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres
.@Tim_Cook, CEO of one of the biggest companies on Earth, is proud to be gay. And I’m proud of him. http://t.co/kF1lYghlXg
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) October 30, 2014
