Apple CEO Tim Cook came out as gay in an essay published Thursday on Bloomberg Businessweek. In the essay, Cook wrote that he has never denied being gay, but has not publicly discussed his sexuality until now.

“So let me be clear: I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me,” he said.

Cook’s sexuality has been a point of speculation in the business community for quite some time. In his essay, the Apple chief said that he had tried to maintain “a basic level of privacy,” adding that his sexuality has given him a “deeper understanding” on this social issue.

“Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day. It’s made me more empathetic, which has led to a richer life. It’s been tough and uncomfortable at times, but it has given me the confidence to be myself, to follow my own path, and to rise above adversity and bigotry. It’s also given me the skin of a rhinoceros, which comes in handy when you’re the CEO of Apple. – Tim Cook.

The revelation comes just days after Cook advocated on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in his home state of Alabama, according to CNN Money. “I don’t consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I’ve benefited from the sacrifice of others,” he said.