I’ve stated many, many times, that I’m unabashedly openly gay. Lesbian. Whatever.

So, that being said, it might sound weird to read something like this post’s title.

But it’s true. And this is why:

The number one reason I need him to stay in the closet, if at least for now, is that I need people, everyday people, uneducated about LGBT issues, and the impact ignorance and hatred have on our lives, need to see his struggle.

I cried in the scene where he and Kurt were talking about his pain. Yes, it was obvious. But I’m gay, I’ve been through that pain. I know, to the core of my soul, just how much it forces you to be someone just who isn’t who you really are.  Until the point where Kurt points out the pain, how many ‘regular, straight’ people would have seen it.

I wept when he left the prom.  When the anxiety overwhelmed him and he was forced to run away from it.

Yes, it would be wonderful to have yet another gay person on tv. Yes, it would be fantastic to see him not suffer. But he does not suffer in vain. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying he’s a messiah figure, but this tangible, honest, deep pain needs to be expressed. I need him to show the general public what it’s like. His struggle is much like many have endured and continue to endure, even in this day and in the seemingly ‘accepting’ world we live in.

The truth is, it’s more accepting than it was say, even 60 years ago, but it’s far from perfect, and while I know we will never live in utopia, we do deserve to have the same basic human rights as anyone else. People have given their whole lives to this cause, people have give their lives FOR this cause. We’ve come far, but not far enough. We’re not done.

Dave Karofsky proves that.

Karofsky is someone I love and adore. I love his vulnerability masked by his tough guy image. I love his sensitivity hidden under the rough-and-tumble hard ass. I love that he’s going along with the ‘beard’ image with Santana. I love that he’s unable to come out.

If he just blatantly came out, it would do an extreme disservice to the education of everyone, including young and old LGBT people who suffer from the same angst as Karofsky. Not everyone can, wants to, or is able to come out of the closet. Not everyone has to.

It’s inevitable that most do, but if, by choice, one chooses to stay inside, I applaud their bravery. It’s not easy living a lie. But, sometimes, living a lie becomes their truth.

I can’t say that I know if Karofsky should stay in the closet or not, but for now, I need him to. I need him to be a symbol of education, love and acceptance.