Steve and Shelly, I went to Vassar, which has a sizable gay population both male and female. Several of my friends went through--and in some cases are still going through--the painful and courageous process of coming out to their friends and family. (I also have the Vassar gay population largely to thank for my finding a wife so far out of my league. ). I hope it is becoming less painful. Hopefully, one day soon, it won't take the amount of guts that it currently requires. One of my uncles was gay, but was never able to feel at peace with himself (for many reasons in addition to having a difficult time coming out). He killed himself years ago. I wish he'd had a community like this one where he felt safe and confident with himself and his friendships such that he would know that friends don't care about such things. I just want my friends to be happy. And Steve, this is why the reason for your coming out this way is important. You're absolutely right, there are still men and women out there struggling and feeling isolated because they feel like they will not be accepted--and in some cases won't be accepted--if and when they come out. To want to help people in that position is very much consistent with the great guy I finally got to meet this weekend.
And you're still freaks, of course. Just like the rest of us.