Tim Cook squashed years of speculations and rumors this morning, only instead of doing it with an iPhone announcement, he made his first public declaration that’s he proud to be gay.
Cook never denied his sexuality, but the letter marks a huge moment for the LGBT community, equal rights, and society in general, as the world’s most powerful CEO committed to being an example and inspiration to those wanting to rise above adversity and bigotry.
The world’s reaction to Cook coming out like a boss has been overwhelmingly positive. Yes, the trolls and bigots have crawled out of their dark places to admonish Cook, but their voices have been refreshingly blasted out by accolades and congratulations from the world’s top CEO’s, celebrities, and activists applauding Tim’s courage.
Here’s how the world turned Tim’s coming out party into a celebration:
Apple Execs
@tim_cook = Courageous
Proud to work for you and be your friendhttps://t.co/1yZEqvke9n— Philip Schiller (@pschiller) October 30, 2014
Apple’s top excutives took to Twitter to congratulate the boss. Apple’s VP of Environment, Lisa Jackson, thanked Cook for the “great essay on justice, equality and making the world better,” while Eddy Cue and Phil Schiller both mentioned how proud they are of their friend.
The competition
Inspired by @tim_cook: “Life’s most persistent & urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’" https://t.co/wjzW5QPxqY via @BW
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) October 30, 2014
Apple’s nemesis Microsoft tipped its hat to Cook this morning, with a tweet from CEO Satya Nadella saying he’s been inspired by Tim. Sundar Pichai said the letter will “really make a difference“. T-Mobile CEO, John Legere also commended Cook for the letter with a “right on” bro, tweet.
Politicians
From one son of the South and sports fanatic to another, my hat's off to you, @Tim_cook. https://t.co/1dXvRa2Nhu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) October 30, 2014
Nancy Pelosi congratulated Tim on “taking pride and making it easier for others throughout the world to do so!” Former President and Southerner Bill Clinton tipped his hat to Cook as well.
Celebrities
I wonder how all those who discriminate against people for being gay will treat Apple's CEO when he visits https://t.co/5UXOc6vGY9
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) October 30, 2014
Ashton Kutcher gave Tim Cook a shoutout on Twitter, while Richard Branson pondered how Cook’s letter will impact the business world, where there still are laws in many states allowing employers to fire people based on sexual orientation. Richard Branson also applauded Cook for the “inspirational words …on being gay, and standing up for equality.”
The Lulz
The president is black, the top rapper is a white girl from Australia and the CEO of the largest tech company on earth is a gay man.
YES
— Josh. ️ Midnight sharp. (@JoshHelfferich) October 30, 2014
It wouldn’t be an Apple announcement without a bevy of witty one-liners from the Twitter crowd.
https://twitter.com/CaseyNewton/status/527839558504042496
Apple CEO Tim Cook just announced he is gay. Now we wait for the Samsung CEO to announce that he's waaayyy more gay.
— Akshar Pathak (@AksharPathak) October 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/GlennF/status/527832885701537792
