A few thoughts:
1. Can you control the coverage? If so, stop it. If not, think about how to manage it. What you admit, when and to whom does matter, and waiting until all possibility of denying scandalous behavior has passed will not allow you to exert any control over the spin of the story, or its longevity. Bad publicity is best met head on.
2. Are you going to admit being gay or having sex with a guy? Are you ashamed of that? There is no shame in being a pariah to the religious right. All of us on this forum are pariahs, and most are proud of it! Haven't you seen that bumper sticker that says, "Doing my part to piss off the religious right?" Even if you are Jerry Falwell, there are worse things than being gay- like being Jerry Falwell, for instance. Embrace your liberation, you have no choice.
3. If you are going to be damaged by the revelation, think about how you will deal with the worst case and go from there. The worst case scenario rarely plays out. If there are wives or kids to be hurt, do not add insult to injury by letting them read about it in the papers. Tell them now! If the other person is going to be damaged, urge him or her to prepare, and do what you can to help. A vacation in Mexico when the shit hits the fan might be a thoughtful touch.
4. If this is as big as you imply, one of you involved has resources to hire media experts to help. Do it. The Lambda Legal Defense Fund might even help you.
5. Monica Lewinsky survived having the whole world know that she sucks dick, and you will, too. Jenny Craig needs a new spokesperson anyway. If you're lucky, the new pope will push you off the front pages anyway.
Good luck!
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