Personally I think that the more something is considered taboo, the more taboo it is... I used to be very secretive with everything involving an ab/dl lifestyle, but I found the more secretive I was or uncomfortable I was telling someone, the more uncomfortable they were... So now I realize that I could be involved with much worse things (drugs, gangs, techno music... jk I actually don't mind techno music lol) and with most things, a little confidence goes a long way...
That having been said, it depends on the person, think of other comparable lifestyles that may get a weird reaction, Goth or punk is the most visible I think and some people involved in that lifestyle like dressing that way in public, although the shock value is part of that culture I guess, where as with ab/dl's it doesn't seem to be.
I can't think of any other comparable lifestyles out there, but they would really help this discussion I think, so if anyone can think of them post them up! Cause I'm drawing blanks lol
Gabe