As already pointed out this has pretty much already happened for homosexuality.

Is it a totally bad thing? (or rather is the "sacrifice" of a generation worth considering?)

But these changes should happen when the time is right. People need to be open enough to an idea and then change can occur. If everything comes out in the open at once, people may learn about things society isn't ready for yet.

The example that comes to mind is one my high school history teacher taught us. He said Martin Luther (from the 15th century) made an impact by being the kind of guy to question things but also by being alive at the right time for these questions to make an impact.

Not to mention that there are probably a lot of things that go on that most people (including all of us here) don't know about. Having all that come out at once might be a strain on society.

Only if _they_ choose to do it. Individuals who sacrifice their own privacy in the cause of social justice may be heroic. Giving the government (or, indeed, any other party) that option is abusive.