Gay vs. Career - Mutually Exclusive ?

Being a gay guy, it seems like it might be affecting my career. I think I am not the only one. It is more common that we think, I think.

How does it affect my career ?

Well, I guess the obvious that "coming-out" and being openly gay might not be as easy. Sure, I know of many people who are openly gay in the office. Most of those are in lines that are creative, arty-farty. Not many in a traditional office set up, even though there are.

I have yet to see/meet any asian guys, working in any company in Singapore, in the positions of "Regional Sales Director", "Regional Marketing Manager" or "Business Development Manager" being openly gay in the office. (Well, if you are, feel free to contact me. I would like to broaden my views.)

I also haven't heard of any CEO who are openly gay. Yeah, you can say I am ambitious, sometimes. :)

I am in the Sales line, in the IT industry. Now, being openly gay may not sit well with many of my customers regionally, thus it is still unthinkable for me to be "out".

So I am doomed to lead a double life, even though I know some of my colleagues shouldn't have any problems knowing I am gay. Problem is, I am not sure about my boss, who has divulged once, though long time ago, that it makes him feel strange to have personal encounter with what seems like a Lesbian journalist interviewing him.

At least, for now.

And destined to stay in low or middle management as long as I am not married with kids ? (Some employers view it as being committed and matured.)

Or that I have to be in an industry where being openly gay is accepted, or start my own company so that I can lead an integrated social and work life ?

Even then, I know of a friend who started his own company, but is still afraid of revealing to his staff that he is gay. Maybe that is just him ?