When my in-laws were visiting last week, the conversation turned to the Newtown tragedy. My father-in-law was concerned that the massacre would lead to an autism backlash. I had shared his concern at the time and was very relieved that the ignorant comments about autistic people were quickly squashed by very smart, rational people. My father-in-law wondered whether public individuals with autistic tendencies had an obligation to the public to tell the world that they are autistic.

Should Bill Gates go on national TV and tell the world that he has autism? 

I said not. I think that people have a right to privacy. Not every gay public figure should have to announce their gayness to the world. If you want to, fine. If not, that's fine, too. 

Andrew Sullivan doesn't appreciate Jody Foster's reticence about her sexuality. 

I disagree. Our differences don't define us. By putting a label on our foreheads – autistic, gay, poor – it simplifies a complex personality. I can understand why people want to avoid these simplifications.