But I think there is a misconception that anyone not out wants to be out but is scared to do so. Some people "dont come out" because sexuality is none of anyones dang business! Someone started a thread on an Ohio State board about the gayest cities in America and Ann Arbor was near the top of the list (and of course the ensuing Michigan jokes started). I pointed out this was childish and the gay jokes started towards me started. I feel someones sexuality is of any business to others and my sexual preference had no bearing on what I posted.
And also, there was a story about a teen boy, in I believe California, convicted about killing a gay kid who repeatedly came on to him. That sounds bad, but if you dug into the details, you would quickly find that supposidly the gay kid kept hitting on the straight kid and when he told the teachers and principal, they continually did nothing. Now, I absolutely do not condone at all killing the kid, but I can understand how the straight kid felt no one was on his side and he needed to take care of it himself.
I had a debate with someone a few years ago when Lance Bass came out. I think, in a way, coming out publicly HURTS the gay rights cause because it screams to a lot of people "oh, I should be treated special because of my sexuality." Whether that is or is not the aim, it does sometimes scream of that. I know gay individuals who feel they should be treated special because of them being gay. If A beats up B and B happens to be gay, it will usually result in a hate crimes scenario (where a lot of times it is not and ignoring the fact that beating someone up IS hate regardless of the reason). But if B beats up A, who is straight, it would be held to a lesser standards.
Some feel, rightly or wrongly, some in the gay community feel they should be treated special because of who they are.
I leave you with a roseanne episode reference. In one episode, roseanne's mother is arrested for drunk driving and is forced to go to AA. When she finally admits she is a drunk, she becomes this helpless victim who expected everyone to fall at her feet taking care of her. She thought she should be treated extra special because of her sexuality. Think about that for a second.
And do not pull the "you do not know what it is to be gay." Well, walk in my shoes. A lot of you do not know what it is to be obese in this world.