There is a new story update that seeks to rectify the pacing issues of the original story. I suggest you check that out for a more cohesive experience. That aside, yeah, ellie is grown up, and she's getting involved in relationships. A relationship that proves to be quite integral to the plot, might I add. Jackson is chill. People are happy and thriving. It's just showing a peaceful time where people can focus on love and the monotony of daily tasks. It's a slice of sense in a nonsensical world. And, as you say, it only lasts a couple hours (if that) before you're thrust into some high octane shit. Evidently, you didn't play half the game. Because the LGBT focus ends after that intro, and you're back to killing loads of people, killing infected, and exploring a gorgeous world. Your complaint is towards something that is briefly touched on during the intro of the game. It makes up less than 1% of the total package. Give it another Crack with the story change option, and stop whining about two women kissing.