Being gay is a fetish.

[One Above All]

You say this as if growing up in a society where a vocal segment of the population openly denigrates an uncontrollable part of one's nature has no impact on self esteem. You should probably rethink this.

Personally I think that self esteem comes from the self, not others.

Humans are social animals. If everyone believes you're worthless, you start to believe it too. Why do you think homosexuals, atheists, and other minorities that are discriminated against have high suicide rates? Why do you think the "losers" in high school often commit suicide?
If you were forced, every day, to interact with people whom you know believe you're worth less than the dirt beneath their feet - people who gladly admit this as if it were something to be proud of and constantly remind you of it - would you be happy? I know I wouldn't.