Coming Out Publicly -Attention Seeking or Brave? [POLL]

It’s really difficult what goes through the minds of some people when they choose to make a public pronouncement about their private lives.

Especially when it comes to their sexuality.

When Jodi Foster came out in front of an emotional Golden Globes award crowd, some in the audience sobbed; while, I guess, other at home were probably thinking, “…so what, we knew that already!”

However it does takes courage to get up in front of a crowd, any crowd, bare your soul and announce to the world a secret you’ve been hiding for a good part of your life, especially if you're admitting to the world something that not everyone would accept.

Such is the story of Jacob Rudolph of Parsippany High.

According to this:

When Jacob Rudolph learned he might be named "class actor" at Parsippany High School's awards ceremony, it had only been days since Jodie Foster publicly acknowledged (more or less) she's gay.

But Rudolph, an 18-year-old senior, wasn't thinking about what Jodie Foster or Barack Obama could do for LGBT acceptance. He was thinking about what he could do.
And so, in front of more than 300 students, he delivered a speech his father, Jonathan, describes as "taking more guts to do than anything I've ever attempted in my life:"

Sure I've been in a few plays and musicals, but more importantly, I've been acting every single day of my life. You see, I've been acting as someone I'm not. Most of you see me every day. You see me acting the part of 'straight' Jacob, when I am in fact LGBT.

Unlike millions of other LGBT teens who have had to act every day to avoid verbal harassment and physical violence, I'm not going to do it anymore. It's time to end the hate in our society and accept the people for who they are regardless of their sex, race, orientation, or whatever else may be holding back love and friendship.

So take me leave me or move me out of the way. Because I am what I am, and that's how I'm going to act from now on.

When Jacob Rudolph made his announcement, there were cheers. There was a standing ovation. He said in the time since, it's been support all-around — even from his male friends, whom he worried might not react as well.

"It felt like this immense weight was gone. I'd been carrying it around with me for years. It affected me academically, emotionally, socially," he said.

I give him credit for taking that risk…however, actors, if they are truly gifted actors, take risks as part of their profession; and also, as part of their craft, call attention to themselves through their performances.

So yes, give Jacob and Jodi credit for seeking to end anti gay bias.

But some personal details of one’s life, should you decide to share them, should be kept, at the very least, among a close circle of friends and family.