Hi,
I have many friends who are gay, in lifelong relationships and don't have STDs. One of them once expressed to me, that to deny his homosexuality (which he actually tried to do for 40 years) would mean he would be denied a chance for real love in his life. Another man I knew spoke eloquently about why he wanted to marry his partner of over 20 years. It was to stand up in front of the world and say, yes, we are together.
A female friend of mine was dragged behind a truck to get her to change her lesbian ways when she was in her early 20s. She's now in her 40s and in a long-term relationship.
Sometimes, when you put a human face on someone, instead of a label, the discussion takes on a different flavor. We all live, love and feel pain from not getting love at times.
I've read through most of this topic and have to applaud everyone for trying to state their viewpoint in a tolerant manner for the most part. It is a heavily loaded topic and you have done an admirable job!
Peace and love