They wouldn't be "demonized" if they weren't so busy announcing their personal lifestyle to the world (most likely for attention or to gain brownie points with their woke friends, social networks, etc.).People who as you say " focus on what their sexual preferences are will only serve as an unfruitful distraction " would not be " focusing " on that issue IF they weren't always being demonized and looked upon as being something les than human by people such as you. It's a defense mechanism that comes into play in all living organisms when they are threatened. By the way did you choose your sexual preference ? I did not choose mine, it's god-given just like yours was. And preference is the wrong word orientation is the correct word.No one chooses to be hated for who they are.
I don't go around announcing to the world: "Hey everyone ... I'm a straight heterosexual. Look at me." It's nobody's business but mine and my wife's.