Apple CEO Tim Cook leads 5000 strong Apple contingent at San Francisco pride

July 3, 2014 · found by

Tech companies were out in full force at many of the pride parades around the world last weekend including Apple, Google and Microsoft. But it was the impressive Apple contingent, lead by CEO Tim Cook, that generated headlines.

In London employees and friends of Google marched in the parade that wove through Central London, while Skype and Yammer geeks joined with employees from corporate parent Microsoft and walked together. Other tech companies were represented and marched together with the Intertech Diversity Forum group. Without a significant employee presence in the UK, Apple was not visible.

On Sunday, June 29, Silicon Valley companies were seen at San Francisco’s Pride parade, with Apple walking in one large group of matching ‘Proud’ t-shirts behind a similarly branded banner.

Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted from his personal account his congrats to employees for attending the parade, for which Apple was also a sponsor, and included the hashtag #applepride. (Apple doesn’t have its own Twitter account.)

Honoring its commitment to the environment, Apple didn’t use a vehicle for their float.

Google was spotted at NY pride sporting a double-decker bus. Google also marched in San Francisco’s parade, however the search giant also experienced a protest take over its float. No word whether Larry Page or Serge Brin were among those walking for Google.

Many gay news outlets commented on Tim Cook’s unspoken sexuality, especially after making his pride appearance. Late last week a CNBC anchor made an on-air acknowledgement of Cook being gay. While Cook has never spoken publicly it is common knowledge, a debate has begun and many in the media, including San Francisco Business Times writer Mark Calvey, are urging Cook to come out.

In 2014 it is both inspiring and reassuring that there is slightly more diversity among corporate leaders. While Cook can and would be a role model for the community, wider acceptance in society has become relatively commonplace that the community also doesn’t need him to come out.

The opposite is also fair to expect, other corporate leaders shouldn’t need to come out as Christian or straight. By choosing to, that could could color their views and corporate stance. Take the recent case with Hobby Lobby, the company owners are Christian and feel that their company can observe Christian beliefs even if they trump employees individual liberty.

Many of today’s tech giants are the most wealthy corporations in the world, with smaller workforces then last-century larger manufacturers. Apple, Google and Microsoft want to nurture supportive and productive work environments and attract the best talent in the world. They also are proud of their diverse workforce and not ashamed to support them.