Are people 'scared straight' by society?

I think that probably this is the case sometimes but not for most people. I know a guy who used to be in the same work as me and he always saying he is straight but he died and later we find out he was gay and just afraid to say it. But I think this is not the rule because if I was gay I would not lie of it and I think most people would just say it. I am glad to not be gay personally but maybe a lot of other people it is not a factor and will say it because it is hard to live a lie. If I like something I would like to say it and be able to do what I like than to lie and be miserable.