But, does anyone really go to a gay bar to fall in love? I know, for me, I'm looking first and foremost for community, to exhale, relax, and be myself in a judgment-free zone, in the company of people who get and accept each other in a way that seems less possible in other spaces. And, yes, on occasion, i have hooked up. Flirting in a gay bar is fun. I've actually made some friends, too.

While I understand the envy straight folks might have of gays, the presumption of "implied consent." But, as you say, a more realistic implication is that it might be easy to find someone for a one night stand or a quickie. But, that's probably true of certain other bars, too, where straight singles go to hook up. Ultimately, finding a deeper, more meaningful relationship ain't all that easy for anyone, straight or gay. So, the grass is always greener, as they say.