Gay Pride Parades. Are they helping or hurting the so-called 'gay community'?

I find 'Gay Pride Parades' embarring. In fact - I think they are [in reality] 'Transvestite Pride Parades'. [for the most part] They serve little to no purpose [these days - at least] other than to reaffirm the idea that gay people ARE 'unusual' and NOT 'just like everyone else'. To me - a 'Gay Pride Parade' is no different than if there were ever a 'Black Pride Parade' and all the black guys were tap dancing, wolfing down fried chicken and ribs and tossing water melons back and forth. Find that offensive? Why? Because it's a horrible stereotype? Than what do you call a 'Gay Pride Parade'? BUT... that's me. What do YOU think?! Craig!! :o)