People get soused because they can't deal with their feelings honestly and consciously. Alcohol gives them the excuse to say things and do things they would not feel comfortable with while sober. And when it comes to the gay scene, it's not just the booze--note the blaring aural overload of the music they play in the bars, so loud you can't even hear yourself think, much less have a conversation with another.
People are afraid of each other--they are afraid of themselves. I can tell you one thing--one simple thing--that would revolutionize the world, regardless of who you are, man or woman, gay or straight or anything in between. Look into another person's eyes...deeply, lingeringly, softly, and compassionately. See the person before you as the person they are, not the person you want them to be. Honor their humanity, and see your own humanity reflected back in their eyes. Do this with one person--it could be anyone--and I think you might be amazed at the results. This is one way to move away from alcohol and other chemical crutches or replacements for genuine human contact.
