Just as with a number of other fetishes, there's a different dynamic when coming out with a fetish involving same-sex attraction. I am out with it and am very comfortable discussing it and have actually done so a number of times.
One of the keys is to be ready and informed. An excellent book to start with is "Perv," which makes the well-grounded case that
everyone has a fetish. With that base argument, it's easier to talk with others concerning tickling (or most other fetishes).
I disagree with the idea that "Tickled" made the community look bad. The filmmakers were in great contact with the m/m tickling community regarding the film. I went to several screenings and talked with audience members about the film afterward. No one I spoke with and no one, save for a few posters here and another board, had negative experiences regarding the movie. The filmmakers were very clear about the intent of the film, who was the perpetrator and who were the victims.
I've also posted many times here about many men, and especially straight-identified men, who have a genuine urge for m/m tickling and fear being open about it. I still get contacted by men who feel they can't tell anyone.
Thus, a couple of years ago, when I was asked if I would give my thoughts and tell my experiences regarding men's feet and tickling for a podcast, I agreed. You can find that interview located here:
https://lnns.co/Kw1P6ln2ke0
It's now been almost 2 years since I've given that interview and I still get messages from men thanking me. So, how has it changed my life? It's made me pleased that I might have helped other men's lives.