Celebrating LGBT Pride Month and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Apple CEO Tim Cook called being a member of the LGBTQ community and carrying on "unfinished work" for gay rights a "privilege of a lifetime."
"With the spread of marriage equality to all 50 states, and a seismic shift in public opinion in favor of equality for all, the march that began at Stonewall continues with the wind at our back," Cook said for CBS's "Sunday Morning."
"This Anniversary, and Pride Month in general, are a time for celebration and community. But we miss an important opportunity if we don't dedicate this moment to the progress yet to be made.
"I am so proud to be a part of this courageous community, and, 50 years after that historic night, it's the privilege of a lifetime to help carry on its unfinished work."
The video, almost 4 minutes in length, shows Cook, who had come out as gay years ago, vowing to "carry their work forward."
"In 2019, discrimination still looms in employment, in housing, and in public places like restaurants and stores," Cook said. "The transgender community, in particular, is singled out for discrimination and acts of violence.
"And LGBTQ young people still face an epidemic of harassment in bullying that isn't merely cruel, it robs them of life's opportunities. Often this comes at the hands of the people they should be able to trust – their teachers, their faith leaders, even their parents. Seeking only love and acceptance these young people are kicked out of their homes and houses of worship. That's no small reason why roughly 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ.
"We all have a responsibility to set a positive example and that includes companies like ours. We make sure our employees enjoy equal benefits and healthcare protections, and that we create an inclusive environment where everyone can bring their unique experiences to work."
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