Anderson Cooper and a question about stealth vs staying out for change

[MadelineB]

Read an article today by one of my favorite bloggers that got me thinking about the power of more of us coming out and staying out, as a way of effecting change in society.  My question for the group: If you were famous and could chose between living stealth and staying out, which would you chose and why?

http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/07/anderson-cooper-the-fact-is-im-gay.html
Anderson Cooper: "The Fact Is, I'm Gay."
By Andrew Sullivan, July 2 2012

In many ways, it's a great development: we're evolved enough not to be gob-smacked when we find out someone's gay. But it does matter nonetheless, it seems to me, that this is on the record.... The visibility of gay people is one of the core means for our equality.

Recently, however, I've begun to consider whether the unintended outcomes of maintaining my privacy outweigh personal and professional principle. It's become clear to me that by remaining silent on certain aspects of my personal life for so long, I have given some the mistaken impression that I am trying to hide something - something that makes me uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid. This is distressing because it is simply not true.

I've also been reminded recently that while as a society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible. There continue to be far too many incidences of bullying of young people, as well as discrimination and violence against people of all ages, based on their sexual orientation, and I believe there is value in making clear where I stand.

The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.
-Anderson Cooper

[Tanya]

the more people that come out of whatever closet they are in the better.  Having said that, coming out as a transperson is in a totally different league.  I wish it was as 'accepted' as being gay.
Tanya

[lilacwoman]

gay guys can be as out as they want and no-one will know or care and will be welcomed into lesbian circles as lesbians know they aren't competition but a TS can't be openly out as there are so many transphobic women and lesbians about.

[wiigirl]

the more people that come out of whatever closet they are in the better.  Having said that, coming out as a transperson is in a totally different league.  I wish it was as 'accepted' as being gay.
Tanya

You took the words right out of my mouth...

[peky]

the more people that come out of whatever closet they are in the better.  Having said that, coming out as a transperson is in a totally different league.  I wish it was as 'accepted' as being gay.
Tanya

I respectfully disagree. I think the levels of difficulties -real or imagine- depend of the individual unique situation. Ethnicity, financial situation, education, personality, age, occupation, family and friends, etc. So basically we cannot compare. Personally, I was outed by a hateful person, and all my fears of rejection by employers, coworkers, friends, relatives and children, well did not materialized. All I have received so far is praises and support, lucky me

[Adam (birkin)]

It depends on the circumstance.

Coming out to people who know you love you, and are loyal to you, educates them, which allows them to be good allies - influencing those in their lives who my be hateful. They unfortunately have more influence than we, as transpeople might, because they receive more respect (generally) as cispeople.

Coming out to a lot of people who couldn't care less about you might educate them, but their pre-existing prejudices get in the way.