I've always been a super-generous tipper, but I'd never really thought about the whole gay-tipping concept as rooted in a desire to be accepted. (Although, I am certainly familiar with the stereotype.)

It's just that when I left the military and moved to Manhattan's gayest neighborhood in 1990, so many of my gay friends worked in theater or other entertainment, as per another stereotype. Meaning that also per that stereotype, many of them also worked as food servers to make ends meet.

So, I was surrounded by people who knew firsthand how important tips are! I quickly internalized that value, even though I never worked in food service.

But I can see what you're saying, how super-generous gay tipping might have become a stereotype for other reasons too.

Very interesting!