I'm sober now, but I was partying a lot. Part of it was because gay bars felt like safe spaces... a place where you feel safe and comfortable in your own skin.
I do think some older people in the gay community could be better influencers for gay youth, better educators. I made it a point to be that person.
Off the top of my head, Alan Cumming was probably my biggest inspiration, as an actor and as a queer person.