Apple CEO Tim Cook has come out as gay.<br/> <br />He made the revelation in a magazine editorial and says he's trading his closely guarded privacy for a chance to help move civil rights forward.<br/> <br />Cook's declaration makes him the most prominent American corporate leader to come out as gay.<br/> <br />His sexuality was widely known in the close-knit tech circles of Silicon Valley but rarely actually discussed.<br/> <br />The 53-year-old Alabama native has spoken out against discrimination of gays and transgender people, including at this recent event in Alabama.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: APPLE CEO TIM COOK SAYING:<br/> <br />"...and still too slow on equality for the LGBT community. Under the law, citizens of Alabama can still be fired based on their sexual orientation."<br/> <br />Cook says being gay is among the "greatest gifts" God has given him and that he came out to inspire others who struggle with their own sexuality.<br/> <br />The Apple chief's statement comes as gay marriage in the U.S. becomes more widespread
