If this is called an alternate lifestyle, shouldn’t society just accept it?

We must first answer the question as to who determines that homosexuality is an "alternative lifestyle." The Bible, no matter what the claims of some religionists may be, in no way condones homosexuality. To believe this does not make one homophobic, as those of the pro-homosexual opinion would so claim. To believe, teach, and practice what the word of God teaches does not mean that someone has an abnormal fear. It merely says that one is willing to obey God, not popular opinion.

Note what the word of God says on the matter. In Genesis 1:27 we are told that God created man in his own image and that He made the male and female. In Genesis 19 we read where God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their exceeding wickedness. When the angels came into Sodom and went to the house of Lot, the men of the city surrounded Lot’s house demanding that the visitors be brought out so that they might "know" them, Genesis 19:5. The word "know" was used of sexual relationships, and if this is not the case here, then why did Lot offer his daughters to them, Genesis 19:8? Leviticus 18:22 condemns same-sex sexual intercourse. Romans 1:26-27 condemns homosexuality.

In 1 Cor. 6:9-11 a number of sins are listed which would keep one from inheriting the kingdom of God. Included in that list are the effeminate and the "abusers of themselves with mankind." These are references to those who are effeminate by perversion and to the homosexual. Verse 11 says, "And such were some of you…," meaning that those who had been guilty of such practices had stopped them.

Homosexuality is not an alternative lifestyle; it is a sinful practice condemned by God. The person who practices homosexuality should take heart, though, in knowing that they can quit their sinful practice and God will forgive them.

I am a non-practicing gay person. I am a Christian and I am still friends
with my former lover of 33 years. Is this okay.

From your statement I gather that you have not been engaging in homosexual
activity for some time. I see no problem of your being a Christian as long
as you can abstain from such activity. There are multitudes of single
persons who are heterosexual in their desires but they do not go about
engaging in fornicating acts. Though you may be inclined toward others of
the same sex as long as you abstain from such sexual activity you are not
committing sexual sin.