Should Tim Cook's sexual orientation be entirely ignored or explicitly cited as diversity in action?

Unfortunately sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity and age all too often get in the way of qualifying and quantifying a person's ability to perform a role. I agree with Eric Goldoff - none of those factors should have any relevance with respect to Tim Cook's ability to lead Apple. He is a phenomenal business person who has proven that he can balance a multitude of significantly opposing forces to help build the most valuable company in the world. An amazing feat given the state of the company when he joined and the personalities involved. Thank goodness at least some of the media has focused on that. How Tim Cook wants handle/disclose/celebrate his sexual orientation (as well as the other factors mentioned above) is his business - not the media's.

His only flaw that I can see is that he is an Auburn fan... Being a LSU fan it's hard to give him a complete vote of confidence! Geaux Tigers!!

Yes and no.

Should we celebrate diversity? Absolutely.

Should it be mentioned for sensationalism? Absolutely not.

I agree that "it's representative of increasing diversity in the executive ranks of corporations and should be openly discussed and celebrated." but disagree that it becomes an "ethical dilemma":

Salmon:
"There’s no ethical dilemma when it comes to reporting on Cook’s sexuality: rather, the ethical dilemma comes in not reporting it"

His point in the post seems that he is saying it shouldn't matter, but then he goes on to say it should be covered. Just because Cook is in the public eye, it doesn't mean we get to pry into his personal life.

Bottom line, Cook should be 'loud and proud', but it should be done on his terms, not the medias.

I rather suspect that when Steve Jobs and the Apple BOD appointed Cook to his new role his sexual orientation wasn't a factor...
Wow a powerful intellect who happens to be gay working for a high tech firm in the Bay area- what an anomaly!
It is a stupid statement on its face. Cook is now positioned to be a major force in the technology sector.The fact that he is succeeding Steve Jobs is relevant and newsworthy, the fact that he is gay is a non sequitur.
Does his sexuality make him more or less powerful, I rather doubt it.
As a practicing HR executive for years when people make statements like this reporter my reaction is " and this is relevant about this person as a candidate/executive/person exactly how?
Is there some assumption that gay men are not technical, not leaders, etc? I don't get it....
The other thing I ponder is its truth. Is he really the most powerful gay man in America? How did we come to that conclusion?
It does make me wonder are most journalists inherently morons or is there a special course they put them through before they let them publish, go on air, etc.?

Agree Mark! I can't recall in the reams of stuff written about Steve Jobs if any reporter felt it mandatory to report on his sexual orientation. Tim Cook has a new role as the CEO of Apple, apparently Steve Jobs and the Apple board members believe that he has the required abilities to perform well in this role. Anyone who claims his sexual orientation means he is obligated to discuss it publicly is being beyond unreasonable. It is his decision to decide if, in addition to his public role at Apple, he also wishes to take on a role as the face of diversity. It is quite literally no one elses right to inflict their personal agenda on him. Let us focus on how well Mr. Cook continues the legacy of success at Apple and admire his abilities that relate to that role. What he chooses to discuss publicly is his choice and anyone who claims otherwise should reflect carefully on what they are expecting of others.

Agree Mark! I can't recall in the reams of stuff written about Steve Jobs if any reporter felt it mandatory to report on his sexual orientation. Tim Cook has a new role as the CEO of Apple, apparently Steve Jobs and the Apple board members believe that he has the required abilities to perform well in this role. Anyone who claims his sexual orientation means he is obligated to discuss it publicly is being beyond unreasonable. It is his decision to decide if, in addition to his public role at Apple, he also wishes to take on a role as the face of diversity. It is quite literally no one elses right to inflict their personal agenda on him. Let us focus on how well Mr. Cook continues the legacy of success at Apple and admire his abilities that relate to that role. What he chooses to discuss publicly is his choice and anyone who claims otherwise should reflect carefully on what they are expecting of others.

I neither know nor care - let's see how good he is at being CEO.