I know about the gay community because I was part of it for several years. Here's my own personal experience:
Molested by an older sibling at age 12.
Sexually abused by another older male at age 15.
Suicidal at age 17.
Both came out of the closet and got saved at age 18. My parents did NOT disown me; in fact, they were too "accepting" for comfort.
Came out on FR at age 18 as well. Was immediately hit with prayers and friendly encouragement and absolutely no anger or disgust or hatred.
And also at age 18, I politely disagreed with a "gay friendly" person I know in regards to marriage and was immediately called a hater, a Nazi, and every other rotten name that I'm sure that most of the other people on this thread can recognize.
Now, I have a thick skull, but the message eventually pounds through.
As for your other comments, I am not afraid to admit that I have no experience and so have no response; I'll let the other participants on this thread tear 'em up.
One more question. How old WERE these "homeless boys and girls"?
I guess I don't understand your definition of overt oppression and violence or why ONLY those two aspects should determine whether or not comparisons to the civil rights movement are applicable.
You missed my point altogether. During a very troubled time in our history, we debated public policy matters which triggered mean-spirited and hateful exchanges among the American family.
During that time, there were people and organizations who appealed to the very worst in us and they claimed, while doing that, that they had God and the Bible on their side. Similarly, today's debate about same sex marriage sometimes brings out the worst fears and mean-spirited attacks.
With respect to your discussion of "being part of the gay community" -- nothing you wrote indicates that you were part of ANY community. You were molested. Incidentally, you stated that this started at age 12. It is not clear from what you have written what you told your parents --or-- why you were molested again at age 15 and suicidal at 17.
While I am reading between the lines, it sounds like you were very isolated, perhaps ashamed, and unable to reach out to anyone who could help. You were not experiencing the gay community's values, Luircin, anymore than a woman who is raped is experiencing the straight community's values. And I am very sorry to learn of your experiences. I can assure you that I have some personal knowledge which makes me understand what you went through.