I really have no problem with gay characters in comics, as long as the writers don't bog down their character with being gay. None of the straight characters have to constantly make comments about how they are straight, so why should gay characters. I am completely fine with a character being gay, as long as their story doesn't stay on that fact. They should be allowed to grow and expand the same as other characters.

On a side note, I figured out Northstar was gay a long time before I read issue 106. I read vol. 1 in order after reading the first couple issues of vol. 2, and I recall many incidents with his sexuality in question. In his origin issue, the narrator makes a comment about how he never payed much attention to the ladies. In another issue (in the 40s I think), Aurora wants to design Jeffries costume, and Northstar makes some crack about colorful form-fitting outfit, to which she replies "When have you ever objected to men running around in tight clothing."

So, in summary, gay is ok, as long as it doesn't kill a character.