A few days ago, I learnt (or rather witnessed) that one of my friends is gay. No one else knows about it as far as I know. For his other friends to consider him as a "lady's man" he has been trying hard to frequently flirt openly much like an immature teenager. It's certainly superficial but more, it's probably a cover.
I was not sure about whom to blame for this secrecy at first. I would blame the society if this happened 40-50 years ago, and even fight for his rights. But things have changed now. It is still considered a bit awkward but it's OK to be gay these days.
What would hinder him from telling the world who he is?
Maybe gays who take homosexuality to extremes and cause the rest to hide their ID's...
Strict traditions of the origin country...
Glass ceiling (I can't recall if there is any obligatory quota to hire gay people)...
Fear of losing his close male friends...
Fear of sticking out, shifting from majority to minority...
No, none of these are good enough reasons to hide who you are all your life. All negative consequences can be prevented with perseverance. Moreover you build fake families in time and spread your misery for simply not being brave enough. You live a lie for not being strong enough.
