i think the nice thing is that, since human sexuality and gender awareness are so fluid, i look back on my coming out and i see that i went through a lot of stages. I maybe thought i was gay, i thought i was just a plain-old ->-bleeped-<- - and on it went.
There is a process of finding oneself, and an identity that you are comfortable with, something that seems to chime with how bits of you have been for a while. Thus, its quite an historical and developmental thing that ties in with one's whole lifespan - but then, it would do, wouldnt it!!
Of course, i came out by being FOUND out by my wife (from whom nothing can be hidden - clothes, changing moods and attitudes), and there was a lot of anger and tears and embarrassment...she now sees that i have found something special about myself that i like. Now i'm out, i wouldnt go back!