Tim Cook will receive the “Champion Award” from GLSEN later this as recognition for his ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights.
Cook says he is “grateful” for the honor and insists Apple’s commitment to inclusion helps it do its “best work, each and every day.” This is one of several awards he has earned for his efforts since becoming Apple CEO.
GLSEN is a prominent education organization that works to create safe and inclusive schools for the young LGBTQ community. It will host its annual GLSEN Respect Awards on Friday, October 25 in Los Angeles, when Cook will be awarded this year’s Champion Award.
Cook will join past honorees like Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, and Julia Roberts for having made a significant impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth.
GLSEN ‘profoundly honored’ to award Cook
“GLSEN is profoundly honored to present the Champion Award to Apple CEO, Tim Cook, and to celebrate his visionary leadership and extraordinary philanthropic work,” said Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN.
Cook has pushed hard to make Apple a more inclusive company since he became CEO in August 2011. He has also supported numerous charities, joined the San Francisco Pride Parade, and appeared at Loveloud 2018.
Cook’s efforts have previously earned him the Free Expression Award from the Newseum, the Courage Against Hate award from the Anti-Defamation League, the Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign, and the Ripple of Change Award from Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.
Cook ‘grateful’ for the honor
“I am grateful to GLSEN for this honor and for all their work to ensure the LGBTQ community is treated with dignity and respect,” Cook said. “At Apple, our commitment to inclusion helps us do our best work, each and every day.”
“Innovation depends on openness to new ideas, a culture of curiosity and a climate free from shame and stigma — that’s true not only for Apple, I believe it’s true for everyone.”
