It is unfortunate that there are segments of our society that will give a gay person a difficult time. But Frog’s advise here is correct, Taylor.
In my experiences with gays it is the open ones who are the happy ones.
You have to be comfortable within yourself despite the problems you will encounter from others. To keep this bottled-up, to remain in the closet, makes your life more miserable.
It would depend on where in Oklahoma Taylor is living; people in much of the state are amazingly intolerant. It sounds like Taylor has enough to on his plate in dealing with his parents. I don't see it as necessary that he bring the rest of his community down on him.
Fortunately for Taylor he can observe the response of acquaintances to his friend's revelation, then make a judgment as to whether he is prepared to out himself.