Coming out is a personal decision. Others are more hesitant and are not ready yet, and that might be the right decision for them at this time. While it is not always easy being a proud and open Gay or Lesbian person, it is a necessity if you want to live your life to the fullest and have lasting relationships. There are as many different kinds of Gay people, as their are straight people. Gays are in all professions, all races, all religions, all economic groups, and all parts of the country.
Gays are parents, single people, married people, and clergy.
To be Gay does not mean surrendering any part of who you are. It does mean that you are part of a minority group, and that experience may make you more politically aware and active than if you were part of the majority. There are Gay Democrats and Gay Republicans, there are Gay Liberals and Gay Conservatives, there are Gay people of all religious and political stripes. Sex is a natural part of any human's experience. Despite what you may have been told, being Gay is far more complex than who you choose to be sexual with.