It's 2016, and we have more out and proud LGBT icons than ever. Ellen DeGeneres. Neil Patrick Harris. Lady Gaga. The list goes on and on; it seems like we have a new celebrity coming out as queer-identified every other week. This prevalence has led to a new, entirely frustrating, but understandable response to a celebrity coming out: Who cares?

Yes, we have reached a new era in which people are so accepting of other sexualities that they don't even want to know them. One person responded to Rowan Blanchard coming out by stating kindly: "No one cares, and no one has to know ANYONE'S sexuality. Please: straight, gay, bi, whatever you are in this world, STOP SHARING!" This appears to be quite a popular response by the recently enlightened generation. As much as I would like to live in a world in which sexuality doesn't matter and no one has to come out, we do not currently live in this world:

• Homosexuality is still illegal in 79 countries.
• LGBT hate crimes are a daily reality.
• Laws continue to work against the LGBT population.

LGBT people are still persecuted in a multitude of ways; this is why public role models are still so important. Out-and-proud celebrity icons set an example for young queer youth, normalize other sexualities, and advocate for change.

We've also learned from experience that people still assume that everyone identifies as heterosexual. The public will do just about anything to deny a queer celebrity. Cara Delevingne and Kristen Stewart were seen holding hands and cuddling with other women for months but were still labelled as just being "gal pals" until they officially came out.

So, while we appreciate the sentiment that sexuality doesn't matter to straight people, we just haven't gotten there yet. Until the day comes when sexuality really doesn't matter, we're going to continue coming out. While being exposed to gay people may be uncomfortable for you, I can assure that it's much more uncomfortable for us to remain in the closet.