I work in the theatre department of a college and I see it all the time. You'd think in times like these and in a supportive place like theatre, it would be simple to be out and proud. But it usually goes back to the family. Even in these times, there are lots of families still rigid in their beliefs that gay is wrong. This can be for religious or cultural reasons. Its very sad that these kids can be so close to open happy gays, yet so far from being one themselves. It's becoming the new gay version of the old maid.
I actually know a guy, now in his forties, who went through this and ended up marrying a really homely, socially awkward girl. They both platonically fill each other's need to appear straight and normal.
Art has a double face, of expression and illusion.