Anytime a group of gay and lesbian persons gathers and begins to know each other there is usually a sharing of the coming out stories. It is a shared common bond and rite of passage. Often these stories center on the first same-sex love or sexual experience and include stories about coming out to friends and family. I have heard horror stories of estrangement from family and friends and I have heard victorious stories of loving acceptance, sometimes when least expected. I almost never hear anyone say they regret coming out although it may have cost them some important relationships.
Most people say freedom is worth the losses.
Living in secrecy, like a second class citizen, and actively hiding the truth about yourself diminishes personal dignity and self-esteem. Most glbt persons grow up in heterosexual families who promote heterosexual lifestyles among the children. This discourages you from developing an authentic self. Instead, you may develop a false self which enables you to survive childhood but may lead to many complex emotional problems. The way out of these problems is a journey through the grief of your lost false self home to your authentic self.