"He could perhaps be proud of coming out if it took some courage or there was some barrier to overcome,"
Don't underestimate how hard it is for a child to come out with their homosexuality. I imagine every homosexual (even in my famously enlightened country - Holland) goes through a seriously difficult phase of self acceptation.
I recently had a high school reunion. I noticed that all the gay kids had not come out until after they left school. They must have known they were gay, but they all kept it quiet. Puberty is hard enough as it is, having to come to terms with your own being different must be pretty hard. Probably reason enough to turn your shame into pride.
Pride, also in the face of all those who still feel you should be ashamed.