the only people I know that make a public announcement are public figures. I've never made a single public announcement at all I don't even have that capability. I came out to people who I regularly talk to. I'm not going to live in secrecy. why should someone live in secrecy? Coming out means you're no longer in the closet metaphorically speaking. So by going on dates you're coming out.
It takes some huge balls to both come out as gay and admit you used to be homophobic. Bravo to you. Few would be so brave.