I understand and accept your aversion to the word "lifestyle". Jerks have turned it into a slur. Of course, said slur shouldn't be used against ABDLs either. (But, to me " lifestyle " is a fine word when used in a friendly manner. Reminds me of the word "liberal". The ass who sired me can't pronounce " liberal" without sneering. So, if I were to be foolish enough to contact him I'd be tempted to sneer "conservative" a few dozen times.)
And no, being gay is nowhere near as difficult as being ABDL. Heck, being a gay ABDL is way easier than being a straight ABDL. If I could flip the switch and become gay I'd do it with no hesitation. (Of course, straight v lesbian ABDL is a different calculation. What's your take on that?)
Oh, and when people denigrate the gay lifestyle they generally are thinking about flash and sparkle and flaming. You know, in your face stuff, as opposed to sexual orientation. That can spread to pure bigotry, but the vision that drives the bile is prancing and flaming, not some regular Joe or Jill who happens to be homosexual. (And no, I'm not looking down at loud and proud. Heck, I'm 24/7 super thick cloth, pull on jeans, and fun t-shirts. (My Ernie shirt gets the most compliments from women.)