In a general sense...absolutely. I really wish we got to a point in soceity where what someones sexual preference is, who they're attracted to, who they're dating, etc was of little concern or interest to the public and had generally little to no wide spread reprucsussions.
In a more realistic sense though...
The reality is we're not at that point in a society, and MOST of the time that we're hearing about peoples sexuality in the public is because:
1. It's being publicized by media
2. It's relevant to another issue
3. Society does view it "different" between the orientations
And I'll use a test case for both of these things...Michael Sam.
Let's start with the first issue...
We could easily lay blame on the media, and to an extent I think that would be absolutely fine. But to a further extent, the reality is that it's the fault of the general population. The media exists to make money, which is driven by consumption of their product...and for whatever reason, peoples orientation sells. In the case of Michael Sam...it drove sales/clicks from people "inspired" by a player being openly gay in the NFL, it drove sales/clicks from people who simply found it an interesting story, and it drove sales/clicks by those who were disgusted and angry about it. And if you don't think all three of those things existed in the public in significant numbers then you're fooling yourself, and you need to explain why so many news outlets found it so profitable to focus so much time on him.
Sadly...I'd say much of the country does actually "care" about these things, including some who say they don't. Once again, see the Michael Sam threads on this forum....that was a TON of talking about a man, his sexual orientation, and how it was relating to football for anyone in there to claim they honestly don't "Care" one way or another about his orientation.
And then you have the 2nd issue, which does tie in with the first...
Sometimes, it's going to have an impact on your life to not make a public expression of it if you're in the public eye. If you're Michael Sam and you don't actively try to hide it, but don't really come out and say it, then it's going to be found out in the draft process. And the moment that's found out by the media its going to be blared across the airways because see issue #1. So if you're stuck with a situation where all your friends, family, and aquantinences are going to find out about your sexual orientation being other than what's viewed as "normal" it's ENTIRELY reasonable to want to have control of how that's going to happen as opposed to just letting some media conglomerate do it as they see fit.
Same goes for actors or actresses at times. If they're gay, but not open about it, then it typically is a gold mine for popparazzi and the tabloids to gossip, focus on, and harass to try and "get a scoop". In a similar way to above, the only way to take the digging and the "scoop" away is to simply make it known so there's nothing salacious and exciting about it.
And that finally takes me to number 3...
The reality is there IS a difference between how society views homosexuality and heterosexuality. Heterosexuality is viewed, in a general sense, as the "norm" or hte default. And you know what? I personally have NO ISSUE WITH THAT, because it is the overwhelming majority of what people are. However, it's ridiculous to be fine with seeing heterosexuality as the "normal" thing you expect, and then get upset when people treat homosexuality different.
It is different because it's not as common and it's not as often expected and it is counter to the "norm" and as such has different effects on situations.
Breaking a "Gay sex scandal" for a straight politician is a far bigger deal than simply breaking a "sex scandal". A team isn't going to worry or ask questions about how other players in the locker room will feel about them drafting a new straight player to be on the team, but they probalby will with a homosexual. If a random actor shows up on a red carpet with a no-name female no one but a few minor tabloids or E! may bat an eye...if they show up with a Man you'll be hearing it from all over and from numerous angles (including by all those upset over it).
Heterosexuality is lookd at as the "normal" or the "default" or the "expected" thing in society because by and large that's what most people are. And that's fine. But that means when the expection to what's most common shows up it's going to generate interest and reactions of all kinds. And that interest and reactions necessitate a different response (or initial action) from that individual than someone who is straight.
So yes...in a perfect would I'd LOVE for everyone to not care about sexual preference.
But we're not there yet, on either side.