Life is hard, dude, but hiding doesn't make it much easier. Be who you are and fuck anyone who's bothered by you.

Although I agree with rainmanjr in sentiment, only you know your particular social environment. By all means, COME OUT, but make sure you build a support network along the way. It is amazing the difference that can make.

Plus, coming out is not a one-time event. We are never completely done coming out. There will always be some people in our path who "didn't get the memo" and who insist on making false hetero assumptions about us until we correct the record. Ever since being out at work the past several years, I have been far more able to relax, less concerned with judgment. Some haters seem to make it their life's mission to oppose and denigrate us, but most really don't care and don't mind if we just live our lives honestly. When you hide, people trust you less, question your motives, and have no opportunity to affirm and defend you. Coming out is not risk-free, true, but it is THE WAY to tap into the broad social support that is really out there. Coming out showed me there are many more with me than against me. (If you live in Russia, Uganda, etc., Your mileage may vary!)

I can honestly see why a person may not want to come out while Trump is president.

However, there is also th idea that if people dont' know who among their loved ones and friends are gay, than it is easy to keep right on discriminating.

I think each person shoudl come otu when they are ready... unless they are one of those persons who actively seeks to hurt the LGBTQ+ community, while secretly are a closeted part of the community themselves. Those persons shoudl be outed whether they are ready or not.

@snytiger6 I think that it's rarely okay to out someone. Otherwise, yeah.