I have never been in any closet, except to get and store my clothes.
I don't see how anyone can define being "in the closet" as a good thing. The only real advantage is avoiding the hassle of an intolerant public. For now, that can be significant, and going public can require a lot of effort, and take away from the fun of just wanting to express yourself.
I go out in public not because I need it or somehow feel that the closet is a cop-out. I do it because it doesn't bother to be different. I am not courageous, just fortunate to be comfortable being myself, and I want to help pave the way for public acceptance, so that others will feel more comfortable getting out. Not everyone is the right type of person to go out. Those of us who can should, and people who are shy about being "weird" are equally respectable for enjoying themselves at home.
