Interesting how "the usual suspects" can't seem to leave this topic alone. Obsession, perhaps?

Attitudes serving a defensive function, helping the [homophobic] individual to reduce painful emotions and feelings (e.g., anxiety) that are triggered by gay people or homosexuality. These feelings may occur for a variety of reasons, possibly including the person's own psychological conflicts related to sexuality or gender. The defensive process occurs largely outside of the individual's awareness.
—from Hate Crimes:   Confronting Violence Against Lesbians and Gay Men, by Edited by Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D. & Kevin T. Berrill (Sage Publications, 1992).

Just a thought. . . .

Don Firth