Tim Cook has reminded queer youth that they are a “gift” to the world.
Speaking over the weekend at LoveLoud, a Utah music festival that benefits young LGBTQ people, the openly gay activist and Apple CEO delivered his own empowering version of the ‘It Gets Better’ message.
“I stand before you tonight as an uncle, a sports nut, a CEO, a lover of the beautiful Utah outdoors, and a proud gay American,” he began his speech.
“I’ve come to deliver a simple message, that I want every LGBTQ person to hear and believe. You are a gift to the world, a unique and special gift just the way you are. Your life matters. To you I say: Find your truth, speak your truth, live your truth.
“My heart breaks when I see kids struggling to conform to a society or family that doesn’t accept them, struggling to be what someone else thinks is normal. Let me tell you, normal just might be the worst word ever created.
“We’re not all supposed to be the same, feel the same or think the same, and there is nothing wrong with you.”
Thanks @LOVELOUDFest @ImagineDragons @DanReynolds for hosting such an uplifting event tonight, and for supporting LGBT youth and families. Young people, you are loved and you are powerful. #LoveLoud pic.twitter.com/qoHEE1pv5H
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) July 29, 2018
He continued: “Now I know that life can be dark and heavy, and sometimes it might seem unreasonable and unbearable. But just as night turns to day, know that darkness is always followed by light.
“You will feel more comfortable in your own skin, attitudes will change, life will get better, and you? You will thrive.”
The LoveLoud event, which was created by Imagine Dragons’ lead singer Dan Reynolds, raised over $1 million for LGBTQ youth charities including the Trevor Project, the Tegan and Sara Foundation, and Encircle.
“Tim Cook joining us in Utah for LoveLoud sends a clear message to LGBTQ youth that they have unlimited potential to achieve their dreams,” said Dan in a statement.
Watch Tim’s full speech below.
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