So I actually read the last couple of pages. Usually I can never keep up with these discussions, but I just had to quote a line from this book I'm reading for my Foundations of Social Justice course.
The author wrote: "There is nothing inherently frightening about what we don't know. If we feel afraid, it isn't what we don't now what frightens us, it's what we think we do know." -Alan G. Johnson
He goes on to talk about how we create our own images in our minds that basically impairs us. People think the worst sometimes when they stereotype. In the case of homosexuals, it's like Drk. Pch said, perhaps homophobic people are frightened they will get hit on or whatever. So they stay away from them and avoid any contact. So yes, they create this nasty image of that gay guy, when in reality, chances are the guy is calm and acts like any normal person.
The book is called "Privilege, Power, and Difference" by Allan G. Johnson in case you guys are interested in reading on about social issues. Social Work FTW! ^_^