Thousands of homosexuals immigrated to the San Francisco area during this time period, as stated in Carl Wittman's Gay Manifesto. Feeling threatened and targeted by heterosexual society, they formed an enclave on the basis of sexual identity. United, gays advocated for the integration of tolerance into society as they felt that in many respects the group was misunderstood. Labeled “sexual perverts,” the group has worked to change this negative perception. Gays have attempted to reach out for support for women and minorities who face similar discrimination. However, support was not always given. Attacks on members of the gay community were considered lynching by the community. The comparison did not relate to African Americans. The vision of freedom imagined by the gay community was that of social unity with disregard for sexual identity. Supporting gay perceptions ultimately changed the ideals of equality and society