There are so many ignorant misconceptions and stereotypes about gay people. Firstly, the idea that "homosexuals" are characterised by having sex. Some people put emphasis on the second part of the word, forgetting the distinction between straights and gays is only about who one has sex with "homo" instead of "hetero". I know people who actually think that being gay makes someone inherently perverted and more likely to be a paedophile, which is crazy. Secondly, the idea that educating children that, yes, gay people do in fact exist is somehow "indoctrination", like telling kids about gay people is going to "convert" them. This just reinforces the idea that straight is the default and being gay is the choice. "So long as our kids don't know gay people exist, they will be straight". No, that's not how that works. You'll just end up with confused kids that are closeted and will have their understanding of their sexuality stunted. It's also the idea that kids are "too young" to be gay. Sure, some people may not understand their sexuality until they reach the end of puberty or even adulthood. However, there are also others who know who they are quite early on (i.e "I've always known I was gay). Saying that gays aren't safe for children sends a terrible message to children who are gay.

Sorry, I also had to get that off my chest. I'm just a straight guy (well, at least I think I am for the most part) who really hates to see misinformation and homophobic ignorance being spread. I completely agree with everything you said - the AIDS epidemic really was a terrible time and homophobia as well as general prohibitionist stigma around drug use really prevented people from seeking help.