Well, maybe not as brave as it used to be, since society is ever so slowly beginning to change. But on an individual basis, it is still brave to open one's mind to the idea that it is OK to explore something romantic with someone of the same ---. Breaking free of societal pressures to conform is not easy and in some locations, it is flat-out dangerous, which is why it is brave to open oneself up to the idea that gender may not be what is important when choosing a partner in life.