As the title says, why is it coming out of the closet. I mean I can understand why you are "coming out" but why do we have to be in the freaking closet. LOL Why can't it be something different. If you could rename it, what would you call it?
It's a twist on the expression of having "skeletons in the closet" which refers to secrets or past memories that you'd rather keep hidden. It was later used to express the idea of gays coming out of the closet, replacing the skeletons with themselves. The expression Glass Closet also exist to refer to someone who's not aware that he is gay, but it is obvious to everyone around him.
I read somewhere once that, originally, "coming out" didn't mean coming out of something bad but coming out into something really awesome. Sort of like how debutantes used to "come out" into society and announce that they were ready to date.
The artist, Salvador Dali, who had a flair for the dramatic, once built himself a giant egg into which he had himself sealed. He then had the egg, with him inside, transported to the town square whereupon he burst out of it exclaiming: "I am reborn!" Now that's what I call coming out!
I think it has something to do with how, stereotypically, some gay men go into the fashion industry - and as clothes are kept in a closet...see where I'm going with this? That's my own personal theory though. The ones posted above sound valid, as well.
I don't know WHY it's called that, but it works for me. If I were gonna rename it....and if I had my way with the entire world.... I'd call it "Coming out...of the womb!" I would do so because if I had my way with the entire world, there would be no forced sexual labels on children, they'd be free to decide whether they were gay or straight or whatever, and when they figured out what they were, they could be who they are with no pressure from society.