This boils own too...
"Everyone must do what they feel is the right for them. But weight the consequences carefully. There is no going back."
For me...
... The secret... had a lot of power over my life. But that was not all. What if I never took that risk? What if I went to my grave and never let the world know who I was? I've never been married so that was not a problem. I'm semi retired and so I'm my own boss. (Who's generally very understanding for the most part. )
What if...
...I had been married... and never told my SO my secret... I would have been found out... and most probably divorced. I would not blame my SO. If my SO is my best friend... am I sharing who I am? Does my SO feel free to do the same because I'm open and honest with my feeling and yearning? Perhaps my idea of a marriage is too idealistic. Perhaps that's why I'm still single... but I enjoy the advantages of being single.
More thoughts...
But as several have said... this is a series issue. We don't yet live in a world that is totally tolerant... but we are making significant progress as compared to others who came before us and laid the ground work for tolerance and understanding.
What I've learned...
1) Life is not fair. Expecting everyone to respect you is unrealistic no mater how you're dressed.
2) Be prepared in case things go wrong. Don't go out blindly because problems do happen.
3) Smile and set a positive tone as you go out and live your life. Be grateful for one more day to be yourself. Don't live in fear of what might happen but always hope for the best.