<p>“I haven’t come out, and I will never do that, because I’m well aware of the consequences that come with it.”</p>
<p>I’m not gay, but the majority of my friends are, and the majority of them are out. They have friends, jobs, romantic partners, hobbies, and seem to be very happy with who they are. They seem to have fewer problems than do people who remain in the closet and show a fake self to the world. </p>
<p>Everyone – not just gays – has to make a decision about whether to show the world their true self or whether to put on a mask that displays what we think the world will most easily accept. The people with masks on are the ones who don’t get the chance to find friends who embrace them for being exactly the people they really are.</p>
<p>I suggest that you talk to a therapist who is experienced with working with people who are LGBTQ. Even in my small city, there’s a therapist who is gay and out and has a large gay clientele. I think that your life can be happier and more comfortable than what you feel you must settle for.</p>