Apple makes $1 million donation to LGBTQ+ safe space charity

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Encircle charity
Tim Cook is serving as honorary co-chair.
Photo: Encircle

Apple is donating $1 million, along with iPads and other products, to Encircle, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to building safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is serving as honorary co-chair.

An Apple press release, published Thursday, notes that:

“The pandemic has meant moving many of those services online, but it hasn’t dulled the urgency or importance of support systems that help young people who are cut off from their friends, often feeling more isolated than ever. The technology donations will make a meaningful difference in the nonprofit’s ability to reach LGBTQ+ youth where they are, helping create community beyond the four walls of an Encircle home.”

Meanwhile, a press release from Encircle quotes Cook himself. “All LGBTQ+ people should feel safe and supported enough to be open about who they are with their community and themselves,” Cook said. “Encircle is helping to bridge divides and bring people together — sending a powerful message that the greatest thing you can aspire to become is who you truly are. It’s my hope that every young person who feels alone or unsupported can find connection and community at this incredible organization.”

Tim Cook’s focus on LGBTQ+ issues

During his time as Apple CEO, Cook has spoken out about LGBTQ+ issues on multiple occasions. He has previously been awarded the “Champion Award” from LGBTQ+ educational organization GLSEN in recognition of his ongoing work in this area. He has even had an anti-discrimination bill named after him.

Cook came out as gay in 2014, a couple of years into his tenure leading Apple. In an essay Cook penned on the subject, he wrote that:

“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.”

Tim Cook has talked about using his position at Apple to make the company a “force for good” in the world. That has included upping Apple’s charitable contributions, and speaking out about issues he believes in. This $1 million donation is just the latest example of that.

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