Tom Downey was enjoying a night out with his boyfriend James when they were targeted by the youths.
Trainee police officer Parkes suffered multiple fractures to his skull, a fractured cheek bone and fractured eye socket.
His condition remains serious but stable and it is said his injuries are now not thought to be life-threatening.
Mr Downey spoke to thank the public for their support since the homophobic attack last weekend.
He said: "I am very upset. I've been at his bedside ever since it happened.
"I've lost so much sleep over this.
"But there has been an immense amount of support, mostly via Facebook.
"Cards are coming through the door by the minute. People we don't even know are sending us messages."
Mr Downey has urged as many people as possible to attend a vigil against homophobia on Sunday at 8pm, in Stanley Street.
He added: "We must try and stop this homosexuality crime - people getting beaten up just because you are gay, lesbian or transgender.
"We do not want this to ever happen again.
"We intend to campaign against hate crime, and hope this will be a turning point for the city.
"That the gay community will be accepted and not victimised as it has been in the past."
The city council yesterday passed a special Lord Mayor motion to give the organisers permission to hold the event. The Rainbow pride flag will fly above the Town Hall.
Twelve teenagers have now been arrested in connection with the attack and released on police bail.
Alexander Allport, Manchester around 2 years, 6 months ago