I am very much of the opinion of that nobody has an obligation to come out, but I would really hope that we (as both a nation and the LGBT community) encourage an atmosphere in which people feel that coming out is something that they can do. Again though, entirely their choice. The role models discussion is a bit more complicated I think. I don't think that it is incumbent on people in positions of power or public scrutiny to be LGBT role models, but there is an expectation that they act as positive role models just in general. Which to some extent provides a positive LGBT role model in the process, who others can look up to. Some people of course do expect famous LGBT people (and I guess the same applies to many groups) to act as role models and I wonder if perhaps that puts some people off the idea of coming out.
Now, I am certainly not famous or in a position of power, but speaking more locally... I work a lot around mental health issues in my area and I recently had somebody tell me that I am obligated to do more as a trans activist (I am trans), and that it is my responsibility to put myself out there. People like that annoy the hell out of me. I am not a trans activist in the first place, I am a low key mental health activist who just happens to be trans. My being trans does not belong to anybody. If a young trans person were to look at me and think that I'm doing well in life (debatable haha) and that makes them feel inspired or more confident about their future, than that's fantastic and a great bonus, but I'm not putting myself out there as a trans role model, nor do I intend to. I'm not in a place in my life in which I feel suitable for or comfortable in that role, and other people just don't get a say in it.
It's an interesting discussion Kieran.