We all aim our sights on the day when this will not be a big deal. As a former employee, yeah, this is not news to me. But today, when the CEO of one of the largest companies on the planet comes out, it is a big deal. It’s one thing for a company to publicly support of gay rights; it’s relatively new territory for its leader to come out. I applaud Tim Cook for how he chose to make this public announcement and the positive impact it will have on those who should be a proud part of our community but are afraid: “I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.”
For lo, these many years, I’ve watched and listened as Americans on both side of the ideological chasm get their panties in a wad over homosexuality. To one side, it’s an abomination, a violation of God’s law and the natural order of things, and the reason why we’ve been afflicted by all manner of natural disaster. To the other, it’s a matter of choice- love is love, whatever form it may take- live and let live.
Not that there aren’t those somewhere in the middle, of course- those who manage to live their lives not concerned with or caring about who does what with or to whom. As for me, I’ve written on many occasions that I’m profoundly ambivalent to homosexuality. It’s not a lifestyle choice that works for me…and that’s exactly my point. IT DOESN’T WORK FOR ME…and that’s as far as I have a right to go. My opinion is completely invalid when it comes to anyone who isn’t me. If someone decides that a certain flavor of sexuality is what works for them…well, knock yourself out, eh? As long as no one gets hurt, where’s the fire?
The news that Apple CEO Tim Cook finally announced publicly that he’s gay (I know, huh? Who could’ve seen THAT coming??) has the mainstream media all atwitter…but why? And to what end? What does it matter who Tim Cook…or anyone else…sleeps with? Why is a person’s sexuality of such great concern to so many not named Tim Cook? Why is it ANYONE’S business but Cook’s?
There’s a school of thought that holds that a public figure is public property; thus, every aspect of their life is, and should be, an open book. It’s an invitation for those who respect nothing outside themselves to pry and pontificate, to act is if their opinion- about anything- matters in the public sphere. We’ve become a nation of busybodies, so concerned with what others are doing that we too often forget to engage with and fully live our own lives. Then again, it’s easier for a lot of people to look outside themselves and condemn for their preceived “failings” than to do the hard work of looking inward and getting their own house in order.
I live for the day when someone says, “I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me”…and it elicits the same yawn as if someone had said “I’m proud to be straight, and I consider being straight among the greatest gifts God has given me.” No one will care, and it will no longer be important who or how you love. It will only be important that you do love.
That will be a great day.
