[gingabriska]

>but why would anyone in their right mind decide to be gay like 200 years ago, and risk being ostracized from the community, being sexually unsatisfied and/or severely punished (including sterilization and/or death

Some people are way to powerful to be punished like Leonardo Da Vinci who apparently everyone knew was Homosexual but remained close to power because of his importance (mostly due to skill)

Even being terrorist or mass shooter is condemned by society but doesn't stop the determined ones.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying being homosexual is like being a terrorist, just comparing the condemned part of the situation which used to be the case before.