Apple CEO Tim Cook didn’t come out publicly until 2014, but he’s quickly become one of the most powerful leaders of the LGBT community.
Out Magazine ranked Tim Cook as the most influential LGBT person of 2016 in its 10th annual power list that charts everything from a person’s impact on the economy, political clout, and how they change our world view.
The Apple CEO scored big points for Apple’s public fight with the FBI. Cook insisted that Apple would not help the federal government unlock the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone, maintaining that doing so would be a violation of Apple’s First and Fifth amendment rights, and that it would also put millions of customers at risk.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to fight the good fight not only for our customers but for the country,: Tim Cook said earlier this year. “We’re in this bizarre position where we’re defending the civil liberties of the country against the government. Who would have ever thought this would happen? I never expected to be in this position. The government should always be the one defending civil liberties.”
Cook has also turned Apple product launches into green exhibitions that delve into how Apple is fighting climate change by switching to renewable energy, recycling, and reducing its global footprint. Tim has also been a big advocate for making Silicon Valley more inclusive.
Other notable figures on Out’s PowerList also includes Ellen DeGeneres, news anchors Rachel Maddow and Anderson Cooper, Caitlyn Jenner, and angel investor Peter Thiel.
