I really dont know why the Gay/Lesbian thing has to enter into this. The only real connection we have with them is that they preceeded us in gaining their rights and "acceptance" such as it is depending on where you are.
Now, there is a huge difference between a gay man wearing a Brooks Bros. suit sitting in a boardroom than there is a guy wearing heels and a Donna Karan suit at the same table. The same holds true in any aspect of public life. There is a credibility question that is raised. Someone who is gay does not wear a tee shirt proclaiming it so the perception of others is quite normal unless s/he is out and there are prejudices at play.
THAT is what has to be overcome; prejudices founded in ignorance, the same as the gays had to overcome it. Only when the public at large could see they were no threat did things ease up for them.
Still there are a lot of "right of center" elements that are in this ignorance group and no amount of advertising is going to change the fire and brimstone of Sunday mornings.
Sacrifices have to be made for sure and there are people who have made them; the trouble is no one in the law making community is listening. That is where the first steps have to be made and so far they are unsteady at best.
Kimberley
