New guy with slight homophobic tendency here so please be gentle on me?
Living with my Dad for the most of my life-who has homophobia issues- had some of his mentality rubbed on me. Growing up, my dislike for Gay men had slowly risen and only got worse when I get to meet this guy in his mid 30's wearing clothing for women, had a terrible high pitched voice, basically the trying hard type. It terrified me that this carried on even now-not as much as before though-as I had contact with the same types, I recall some tried hitting on me, I did everything I could to ignore them and stay as far as possible without being so obvious. As a result, I ended up indirectly bashing the good sorts in my class and school.
When I got old enough to start questioning everything, I looked back and felt bad about it. The more I got exposed to the internet the more I looked and got guilty at looking down on them like they're the most disgusting organism that's ever set their foot on this planet, a sentiment my father would possibly agree. I wanted to change, so I began to talk to some guys I know and slowly began tolerating them. I'm still in the process of changing my mentality and I believe I made progress.
Some questions:
Quoting OP's post
"why are there people who would always talk behind our backs, making our preference a hot issue to talk about whenever we're not around? what will they get from "OUTing" us?"
How do you feel about it when it happens? Have you ever thought about lashing on them? It must've taken some real emotional and mental strength to wake up in your bed and go on about continuing your day.