[CommerceComet]

The closeted gay creates an opportunity for blackmail - financially or for political favors. That’s why they are useful (e.g. Hillary picking Tim Kaine).

True but so does a serial adulterer. Anyone with a secret to hide can be threatened by blackmail.

[TigerClaws]

Adultery can be survived politically. We’ve seen several examples.

Outside of super socially liberal states (NY, MASS, CA) outing a politician ends his career.