Why all the secrecy?

It came across in conversation yesterday, that people who are not "straight" are still scared to show the truth to the world.
It frustrates me that there is still a lot judgment and criticism towards these people. Does a friend have to hide their preference in others secret to keep a friendship? Does a teacher have to hide sexual orientation to keep the peace within the classroom? Does religion hold back happiness of some people? So many questions come to mind about this topic.
I support people who try to find their own happiness, you should not have to marry and "love" someone who you do not even like. You cannot help who you fall in love with, why go through such deep secrets and pain to keep certain people happy? Your happiness should come first, especially if it is not causing harm to anyone else. Why can we not be free to love and be loved? Why do we keep putting others happiness above our own?

Picture Three.

Steamy hot chocolate to warm a cold day.