Do you think there is a timetable on when a person should come out of the closet? Everyone has an opinion on it, no doubt the result of their own experiences and outlook. And Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears feels that, at least for celebrities, have a responsibility to come out:

I think gay celebrities at least have a responsibility to come out. It can be tricky though. My very good pal, Anderson Cooper, finally came out this year, and though it was hard for him as a journalist, I was so proud that he finally did it.

During the interview, Jake also talked what he felt important when coming out:

It’s never going to be easy. No matter how open your parents, relatives and friends are, it can still be shocking and upsetting for them. It’s important to avoid acting negatively though; allow your loved ones to say and feel what they need to. It may take them some time, but eventually they’ll come around. There are those in our lives however that might be completely shut down because of personal or religious beliefs. It would be dishonest to say there’s always a happy ending with those you love but I’ll return the system thing- it’s so important to have 

I can respect Jake’s story and perspective but I still don’t believe anyone should ever give a time table on when to come out. It is a uniquely powerful, life changing experience that you have to make on your own. There are so many layers of interpersonal, social, societal, and emotional that are faced when coming out. But the rewards are priceless. You should check the rest of Jake’s interview here.