In an editorial at Bloomberg Businessweek today, Apple CEO Tim Cook reveals he's proud to be gay. "So let me be clear: I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me." Cook explains that "plenty" of Apple employees know he’s gay and "it doesn’t seem to make a difference in the way they treat me."

Cook admits the choice to come out wasn’t easy as privacy is important to him, but the trade-off to inspire equality is clearly something the Apple CEO has considered. "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."

Apple has a long history of celebrating diversity and equality

Apple has long celebrated diversity and equality, and the company, along with Tim Cook, participated in San Francisco’s Pride Parade earlier this year. Tim Cook penned a Wall Street Journal editorial last year urging Congress to pass the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. Apple also publicly opposed an Arizona bill that would have permitted businesses to refuse service on religious grounds, which governor Jan Brewer ultimately vetoed. "The company I am so fortunate to lead has long advocated for human rights and equality for all," says Cook. "We’ll continue to fight for our values, and I believe that any CEO of this incredible company, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, would do the same. And I will personally continue to advocate for equality for all people until my toes point up."