Originally Posted by HoHGuyOhio

Gays and Lesbians are an oppressed minority...like Jews, Blacks, and Deaf people. Deaf people have Deaf Clubs, Deaf socials, Deaf Happy Hour, Deaf Awareness Week...the purpose of those things are two-fold: A. Deaf people like to hang out with other Deaf people because it's comfortable and you can be yourself and feel at home. B. Deaf public events raise awareness about Deafness. Gay events have the same purposes. We like to be around other gays because it's comfortable, we can be ourselves, and we feel at home. And Pride Parades and festivals raise awareness about the gay community.