There's some truth to what you've both said. I think the difference is location. For bar/pick up joint places, James description is accurate. For non-pick up joints, my experience is similiar to what Kevin describes.
The gay/lesbian network on the campus I work at is extremely diverse (age, size, dress, personality, etc) and is very strong. My closest gay friends are 20-25 years older than I and would probably we hanging out with my folks if they were straight .
The two guys I hate the most are gay. I honestly don't know if I'd be able to resist steering into them while driving if I saw them on the side of the road.