If you don’t have a camera, find a secondhand DSLR five to ten years old. People tend to have these sitting in closets unused — ask around. You should be able to find a relative or friend who’ll let you borrow or buy it cheaply. Brand doesn’t really matter, but Nikon and Canon are the ones I know. It should have PASM settings on a dial. P and A are the most common to use as you’re learning.
I would buy a 35mm or 50mm prime lens, used if possible, and use this while you’re learning. Move closer. Wherever you’re standing, move closer — fill the frame with your subject. Anything that isn’t your subject doesn’t matter.
Go out and take a lot of photos. Of lots of different subjects, from different distances, in different lighting, from different angles. Take so many photos of your friends and family that they forget you’re even taking photos.
Post your photos online for discussion. Join a local photo club or take a class at a community college.
Once you realize the limitations of the camera you’re using, you’ll be ready to consider buying a real camera. Or you’ll have decided it isn’t for you and you can give it away to the next aspiring photographer. Either way you’ve lost nothing.
On carrying a camera without feeling self-conscious: The more you carry it, the more you get used to it. Use a prime lens for street purposes — it’s smaller. Use a non-branded strap so it doesn’t announce itself. Don’t bring a big bag and lots of lenses. Just take a lot of photos. The more you take the easier it gets.
The most important factor in any photograph is the subject.