I'm heterosexual. There is no state in the nation, nor any nation, which would shun me and my wife. Some conservative countries might frown on me if I were to kiss my wife in public. But, overall, I will be considered normal and accepted wherever I go. Whether it's San Francisco or New York or Moscow or Saudi Arabia or the backwoods in Arkansas. I can go to churches. I can go to nightclubs. I can attend right wing or left wing rallies with my spouse. No one's going to persecute me for my romantic attachment. I have zero fear of violence resulting from my sexuality.

If I were gay, the calculations change dramatically. There are now no-go areas. Places where I'd have to be either closeted or just not go at all due to the risk. Sure, I could take a little comfort in Raytheon throwing up a pride flag once a year. But that doesn't change the fact that in many places I would be shunned, imprisoned, or executed for my sexuality. That even in a haven like San Francisco, there are still people who would want to physically hurt me if I was gay.

There is little in this world more mainstream than heterosexuality.