It is true that we need not lead one another around on leashes in public, and thus don't need to expose our sexuality that way.

However, if you want to invite people into your home, it can be a dilemma - do you hide the books/DVDs/cage/etc?

And for me, the biggest issue is in being a stay-at-home slave. Friends and family all find it very odd that I should be a 'househusband' when we have no children, and assume that I will be looking for work sooner or later.

Still, I personally recommend 'coming out' to anybody to whom you feel close enough. It's remarkably liberating.