Quote Originally Posted by TH63 View Post
Obviously it’s not enforced segregation, but imho if a section of society needs their own bars then something is wrong with society. By retaining your own bar or club then surely you are perpetuating the idea that you are different, something to be kept separate from other people?
They're not all living on an island together, it's just bars.

I do agree that it shows there is something wrong with society, but I sense that you think it's the opening of gay friendly bars that is the issue, whereas I would say it's the threatening behaviour of some towards gay people.

I don't think you're homophobic but I sense that homosexuality makes you a bit uncomfortable. That's fairly common and I think it's another reason that a gay person might want to 'segregate' themselves from time to time. Not all gay people are the flaming type, most do just want a quiet life which means being more closed about their private life than a straight person would be (how many small talk conversations are "how's the wife", "how's the kids", etc). I wouldn't blame any gay person for wanting an atmosphere where they can let their guard down a little bit.

As an example, I have a female colleague who has adopted kids with her female partner. We were talking about the kids and I said something about her husband and she had to say "well actually...." to correct me. It was clearly awkward for her because she didn't know how I would react and that's the kind of conversation she goes through very regularly. I really don't think it's as simple for gay people as others think it is/should be.