I think it's a sign of great intelligence not to hold a movement's most extremes against the middle. Not all conservatives are fascist, not all liberals are socialist, not all monkeys like bananas, etc.

I look at someone expressing pride in the way they feel much like a fella expressing love for his wife. If one of us dudes came on here and expressed how much we like women, or even anecdotes of random ladies at the bar, I think it would never elicit such responses such as it being "shoved in your face." It's just a person who has a difference from you expressing in a similar way, and we should be delighted to hear stories regardless of the bedfellows orientation.

More than anything else, I think the vast majority of people simply desire inclusivity and to tell their story in its truest way...like how you really feel. There's extremes on one side saying all gays are immoral and should burn in hell. But that doesn't represent all or even most of anyone's opinions. And sure, there's probably multiple examples of people reacting wildly different than they would hearing a the exact same stories involving straight people, but I don't think it should be indicative of the fact that you care either. And as you've pointed out, there's extremes the other way as well.

I'm glad to live in a world where inclusivity can gain traction over time and we can work together and have the same types of conversations with all people of all shapes and sizes and colors, regardless of their preferences or race. People should be able to express themselves to their fullest potential without getting harmed, ridiculed or shamed.

In short, I'm proud of Doug for sharing his story. Happy Pride!