*So I'll ask you too - why did you feel the need to preface your completely reasonable objections with 'I've got no problem with gays'
What possible 'problem' could you have with 'gays' that you need to inform us that you don't have?*
Firstly, the statement was made in the middle of conversation, it "prefaced" nothing - you're being hyperbolic. Your second question is also leading; it's along the lines of "when did you stop beating your wife?", it really doesn't warrant an answer, but nevertheless I'll try.
I said it because I wanted to be clear that I'm not against what they're doing because they're gay and I wanted to preempt any accusation of my being homophobic because I'm not, despite your insinuation. Despite that, it's still 'possible' that someone else can misinterpret my 'problem' (and, bingo, you seem to have done precisely that).
I'm unhappy with them because their behaviour is hugely inconsiderate. Not just to me and my partner but to the other elderly people in a very small residential block of flats. I say elderly, they're older than me and I'm knocking 65. They actually publicise how "discrete and quiet" their premises are whilst causing disturbance to the real discrete and quiet residents.
I'm perfectly aware that it's possible to be racist or homophobic whilst being the member of the same or a different minority. I'm also aware that it's possible to be priggish; expecting other people to conform to your exactingly high standards.
I doubt you'll believe my answers, so I won't labour it. However, since I've taken the time to answer your question as honestly as I can, I'd be grateful if you'd answer my questions that you've ignored.
Why do you think it's OK to call yourself a name that many devoutly religious people would find offensive? I'm completely irreligious but I don't go around insulting other people's beliefs. Calling yourself God is about as offensive as you can get to some. Do you have a hierarchy, listing those who you can happily offend and those you shouldn't?
Why did you find it necessary to illustrate my 'offence' using further examples of what are, by your own standards, equally offensive in nature?
I'm intelligent enough to understand descriptive statements that don't contain the alleged slur. What gives you the right to expand on what I said merely for purely illustrative purposes and then repeat the same thing more than once? It's hypocritical and hyperbolic.
If it's wrong to say those things, it's not ok to repeat them and definitely wrong to say them a third time, especially if it's just for effect.
You're inverting the racist trope of "why can't I call them 'wombles' when they say 'wombles' to each other all the time?". You're saying you can say it, cos you're ok, but others can't. (And, look, I explained it to you without resorting to an overtly racist term). If you're going to be the language police, why can't you police yourself?
Why do you feel the need to defend people who are behaving badly? Their actions - not words, actions - are making other people's lives miserable. They are not the victims in this situation.