"Q: why withhold 'secrets'? Because of not knowing what would be done with them, or how the person might react, because I might become a figure of pity or disrespect by others, because it seems like a complicated morass of feelings opens, because sides might be taken. (so the usual mix of mistrust and not knowing). "
That's all paranoia and fear on your part.
That's what's gotten you here in the first place. Take little steps. Reveal a little about yourself a bit at a time. No one said you need to make grand gestures and tell everyone everything about you.
And besides, if they form opinions (which all human beings do), then embrace them. It has nothing to do with you but how they view themselves. If they can't accept you for who you are the way you are, then they're not your friend. Simple as that.
M-43 W-40 2D - 9 and 5
Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet a new life.
