Hi wildwood,
More tolerant?.......just dont think like that, and enjoy them for who they are.....after all, they are, pure and simply, human beings just like everybody else who's heterosexual, bisexual etc, and as long as they are happy, thats ALL that counts and is important.
I know many. many gay and lesbian singles, and couples in my personal life and mainly through my association in the music business for nearly 30 years, and do you know,wildwood?.....just as you say that the couple you mention seem like really great fun and good to be with.....SO are they!........as far as the "what males get up too in the bedroom"....its their way of showing love and affection, just like we do to our partners.
You say your niece is gay........you love her no different than if she was straight? Yes?
This is 2012 wildwood, not the dark ages mate.
All the very best
yogi