I guess the short answer is yes and no. I know that makes no sense, so lets do the long answer. If you look around at people on a day to day basis ignoring yourself completely, you start noticing things about certain people and I would say yes, you have a possibility of picking someone out of the crowd who may be gay or lesbian. This person will only be noticeable because they are perfectly comfortable being who they are and giving off certain signals. There will be a good deal more you will never notice and would never know. These ones are far less comfortable in public and thus hide themselves more. So my guess would be that in your case specifically I would say no, they don't notice. You don't really seem comfortable with anyone knowing, or with yourself being so that would mean you are very likely to mask everything you can to not allow anyone to detect much of anything. Its far more likely that the "vibe" you are giving off is simply one of insecurity and discomfort. Most of the time, that causes them to feel the same feeling and thus they become your mirror. If you can ignore the "do they or don't they notice" and just be you and not sweat the whole LGBT thing I honestly think that look will change. I also think that unless you are hitting on them or show up with a same sex partner, they likely will have no clue that you are, because most people don't even consider that a possibility unless you tell them flat out. Not sure if this was of any help or not, but it is my thoughts.

thanks so much, just the answer I needed :)

You very well could be paranoid about this, especially if you don't want them to be able to tell and you're scared that they can. Although, I have this exact same fear. I feel like the way I walk, talk, my disposition, everything just gives me away. I feel like you could either (A) change to fit in the image of a straight person, or you could (B) just be yourself and don't care what other people think. If they don't like you because you give off a certain vibe, then cut them out of your life. They shouldn't judge you just because you seem different. If somebody actually confronts you about it, tell them the same thing. A hunch that they have can't define you or intimidate you.

Being a out gay man I learned that people with "gaydar"(usually other LGBT folks) can pick others out of a crowd. Straight people not so much. I agree with the others about you being paranoid unless you're flamboyant. Your sexual it doesn't define you and if it bothers other people they aren't worth your time. Once you are comfortable in your own skin it won't bother you anymore. Remember who you choose to love is your business, and no one else, unless you choose to tell them.

Just whatever you do, be safe.in such matters economy is high priority. Have a safe hoven first, then you can come out, and cast away the toxic people..

I think a gay guy is better able to recognize another gay guy, mainly because you make eye contact with each other while checking each other out. Straight people not so much. The truth is however, that must people are caught up in their own lives and worries and 99.99% of people couldn't give a rats ass if you are gay or straight. This is something for you to deal with in your own time and in your own way. You will find as you start telling people close to you, that people who care about you, only want you to be happy and won't care as much as you think they might. Be there for them with their troubles...and they will be there for you!

Late add to this conversation...

I agree with all the above. It's perfectly possible other LGBTQ people will identify you. Or good allies. Our "gaydar" seems more attuned. Most straight people (especially homophobic people) often seem resistant to identify us. Unless you're flamboyant or with a same-sex partner, even people who are "obvious" to us seem to be missed by straight people. Before I came out to myself, I didn't notice either. Now, I can generally read it in somebody's energy. This may be because I'm around LGBTQ more so I've become more in tune.

I was recently surprised by being read as lesbian by somebody I thought was homophobic. And she passed it off as entirely natural. I don't flaunt my sexuality but don't hide it either. I'll make references to my partner. My very homophobic classmates are still clueless. It'll be very interesting when my girlfriend shows at our graduation. Lol

My advice is just be yourself. If you're afraid of being identified, trying too hard to hide it may actually make you more obvious. When you're confident with yourself, people are much more likely to just accept you as you are. Even when they find out.

Advice my girlfriend told me when I came out: If you make it a big deal, it'll be a big deal.

Don't apologize for how you are. Don't try to justify or explain. Don't be defensive. You've nothing to be defensive about. People know what LGBTQ is, they have their own opinions on it and you are unlikely to change it with defensiveness. Change takes time. Demonstrate that LGBTQ comes down to LOVE.