I have a friend named Sam, who comes from a similar background as your character named Sam does. My friend Sam went through the same cycle of rejection and self-searching. Except that his took place in an environment specifically based on Egyptian mythology. He long since graduated from college, and he had one very close friend when he was in college, and I know that they decided to find out just how close they were (not that close, although it probably would have ended with trauma on both sides.) But he now has quite a few gay and notably fabulous friends!

And speaking of the closet... coming out of the broom closet can be awkward, difficult, and possibly detrimental to one's career.