That Paris ... she's a font of wisdom! :lol::lol:
I so agree that everything would be simpler if we, as a society, changed our attitude. Your comment about coming out is exactly right. Because it is currently such a huge deal, coming out remains an enormous milestone for most gay people. That explains the whole "Pride" mentality. As long a there are people who want to see us go to hell in a rainbow coloured handbasket, we'll be celebrating being Gay.
I think it is good for people to celebrate what they like but I also think that the parade enforces stereotypes about sexual orientation. This in turn helps to enforce stereotypes about masculinity and femininity. I have been asked on several occasions if I am gay and I have only ever been with woman.
Well, the hole openness thing is great for people that want to live that lifestyle but it puts a lot of pressure on people who are mostly straight and trying to live a straight lifestyle but don't fit the role of some hyper masculine apha male.