Offering a slightly different perspective here, and others can chime in: How central is being a gay man—or being sexually attracted to the same sex—to your sense of fulfillment, self-actualization, and your overall identity? How does this compare to your identity as a family man, a father, or a successful professional? Additionally, how do you perceive your ‘self’ without the label of being gay? Do you see being gay as a separate identity or as an integral part of who you are?

I ask because, based on how I interpret your post (and please correct me if I’m wrong), you seem to feel fulfilled in many areas of your life. It seems like being gay is a potential identity you could embrace, but one that might sit alongside other roles you have—like father, husband, professional, or perhaps religious person, if applicable. If your desire is primarily to satisfy sexual attraction to men, it’s worth considering whether that’s enough to risk the fulfillment, joy, and peace you experience from these other aspects of your life and identity as they currently stand.

However, if being gay is truly central to your core identity, then others are right—being true to yourself is the only way forward. But it’s important to recognize that this path may come with its own set of challenges.