This was first written as a reply to a witty post on IMDb about a possibly gay actor (no, not the usual suspects), whom I have decided not to name here.
First it came to be almost about justifying his coming out — if he is gay — and if he does that, then about the harshness of the film and tv industry towards gays. Then the post's idea moved to be about why some people choose to be closeted and that on one hand it's okay to rather concentrate on out gay actors, while bemusing the chances of coming out making a chage for the better in the future.
So I ended up making a long one instead: herein follows the post about the actor, without naming him (oh yes, names of out actors are featured).
The Post
If he is gay and chooses to come out to the world, then we would be very proud of him, and young gay people would have a great role model. There aren't many young gay actors right now ('cept for Zachary Quinto) who've hit it this big, and who play or have played not just the gays, but other interesting characters. This is what we have a deficiency of on screen: men and women who are not just gays, but who portray hereoes and role models of all good kinds.
The industry should change its tune for the better on gays, so LGBT people could play their roles as out actors, with pride and confidence. But alas, there are still lots of homophobic bigwigs calling the shots :/I remember reading how Rupert Everett's career took a nosedive after he came out and he advised against actors coming out still in 2009. So, many entertainers and television personalities have come out when they've hit it big, and there are many who have come out very late in their careers (or life).
But otherwise, if he is gay and if he is not coming out, then it's his personal choice (disambiguation: Sexuality is not a choice, but coming out is). — There will be other great gay actors who will be out before he will, and there are many who aready have. We the gays just have to wait a little. I do admit the wait is sometimes difficult :\
On another note, there are many gay people who beyound industry fear may have personal reasons not to come out. If that's the case, then it's just as understandable. So, most gays clamoring for their favourite actor to come out might not realize that many closeted actors very possibly have personal (=family) reasons not to come out yet.
Nevertheless, young talented gay guys and gals aspiring to be actors should never be discouraged from pursuing their dream. The "It Gets Better" project and coming out are important, because then many gay youths who feel alone and desperate would see that there is reason for them to live. Oh, and yes, we just can't force anyone to come out against their will, unless they are flaming hypocrites.
My personal opinion is that Zachary Quinto's coming out has taken the heat off other actors who are suspected of being gay. The activism of Dan Choi, "It Gets Better", the coming out of many others (Jake Shears is out from the outset, for example) also means that there are many kids who because of these guys' courage have decided to spare their own life.
