I came out in Calgary in the late 80s, closet door left swinging. Working in a straight pub at night and an office during the day, by the end, they all knew I was gay. I learned then you were just who you were. What has mattered to me as a gay man is to do exactly that: to live my life as I am. People said I was brave, but I was just being me.
If we can all acknowledge who we are (and accept each other), we'll live better lives.