The Dreaded "Broom Closet"

I saw someone ask somewhere "How does one "Hide" being a Witch?" and "how does one get into the "broom closet" in the first place", this individual says her being a Witch is being her, and is a lifestyle. I applaud to her that she can be so open with her lifestyle, as it's not that easy for some, and I hope this will shed a little light on the confused.

First of all, the term "broom closet" is what people on a Witchy path, call the point in their life where no one knows they practice the craft, only them (kinda like gay people who don't let people they know, know they're gay, they're referred to as being "in the closet". Because Witches generally make use of the besome or "broom" people colorfully call their closet, the "broom closet.)

One gets into the "broom closet" when they first decide they want to follow the path of the Witch. It's their choice as to whether or not they want to stay in there from the get-go or not.

There are a lot of reasons why people wish to retain their spot within this closet. It's not that they're ashamed of their practices, far from it. Sometimes (depending on where they live), it could be dangerous for them to make it known that they are a Witch. (For those living in North America) Despite living in a country that holds law that one has freedom of religion, people could still risk losing their jobs (however illegal it is to be fired over one's religious preferences, it still happens); custody cases generally do not favor those who practice Witchcraft, and knowledge that one practices, could hurt their chances of retaining their children. Also people who practice the craft and let others know, could be targets for harassment, threats or even bodily harm. There are many intolerant people in the world and I think it's slightly naive for one to believe that they can freely parade around that they practice Witchcraft and expect everyone to tolerate their choice of practice, unless they are looking for attention.

Now, I'm not saying that those who are proud of their practice can't go around saying they're a Witch, what I AM saying is that they should be choosey of who they tell. Not everyone can be trusted. Just because you are tolerant of others and what they practice, doesn't mean everyone else in the world is. There is a big difference in being proud of your practice, and parading around, merely for attention.

One who is proud of their practice, will remain clothed in a [fairly] normal fashion and will only disclose information if the topic is brought up.

One who is out for attention will wear numerous gaudy pagan jewellery, dark clothes, dark, heavy makup, and announce to everyone they pass on the street that they're a practicing Witch, and when confronted, SCREAM persecution.

I think that someone who has respect for their practices will partake in the latter half, and remain closed off with their practices unless genuinely asked about it.

What I don't understand is how someone can not fathom how someone can be in the closet in the first place. I'm not necessarily in the closet, but I'm not entirely open about it either. Just because someone chooses to not flaunt their practices around doesn't mean they're ashamed of their practice or who they are, they just wish to remain secluded in their practice and wish to retain privacy. Since when is that a crime???