You are correct; it does not reflect equality. But, unfortunately, it does reflect reality. In addition to being outraged at our distance from equality, I believe it is constructive to celebrate each step we take towards that goal.

To an extent, sure. To use Obama as an example (black instead of gay, but close enough), the fact that he proved a black man can get elected is fantastic, I have to admit that (I'm English) my views of America are very strongly tainted by the large amounts of racism there, both historically and today, and it's great to know that it's not quite as bad as I feared. But that's just a footnote in my mind, the fact that he's black didn't make me want him to become president - though as it happens, I did/do support him, but for his politics rather than his being a minority.