A few days ago I asked out someone of the same sex. I was very direct and up front. I told them that I was starting to develop feelings for them.She has a family member in the LGBT community and so she was adjusted and it wasn't weird.It wasn't as hard as coming out! Believe me if you are upfront you will feel so much better then if you drop hints and didn't come right out with it.There is always the fear of losing them but I always think of it as if they are that weird about it and if they are so bothered by it that they aren't a true friend and they can't accept you for who you are! I hop[e this helps!
The caveat is that there is always a risk when making your feelings clear with someone who is not secure in their sexuality. Things can go bad pretty fast.