Why does the LGBT+ community have such a bad reputation?

I recently made the plunge of moving from my small conservative town to a city with a vibrant gay scene. It's something I had always want to do as I wanted to experience what it was like to be truly gay.

I was very scared to do so as I heard that so many gay men are shallow, immature, judgemental, and just horny pricks. I have found it to be exactly the opposite. Since I moved here and started going out I have made a amazing group of friends, everyone is very friendly and I have noticed that everyone has the same goal in mind of just being comfortable around other people who are like minded.

The outside concept from where I was from was that every LGBT person is just some horned up sex freak and all we do is hook-up culture and circuit parties. I'm not denying it is part of the gay identity and a I do participate but for the most part everyone is just trying to find a safe space, and is very approachable and lives normal lives. I really hope this narrative changes at some point.

My question I guess I have, is this something anyone else has experienced having this sort of realization? I have only been here for a couple months but I feel like it's been the best decision of my life. I love my LGBT brothers and sisters now and I've never been so happy to be welcomed. 🏳️‍🌈