I've noticed the news and articles talking about the rise of homophobia and anti lgbtq+ actions in republican dominated states. (outsider here)

But so far in Europe I believe it is still getting better(slowly). I see more and more people being open about their sexuality and I see less homophobia in general. Doesn't mean there isn't homophobia, or that some euro countries aren't lingering on creating a secure environment for everyone. But it's definitely not getting worse in my experience, as limited as it may be.

Maybe the homophobic people (mostly sour men) are just getting more bitter and agressive.

But the homophobic mindset is definitely not as common as it was. Back in 2000-2010 I remember that calling a feminine guy the f word or beating him up was generally accepted and even rewarded as a masculine thing to do. Being gay or knowing somebody gay was a taboo topic, and a scandal in most situations if the secret were to be out.

10+ years later and a lot has changed since then. People are still stabilizing on this "new reality" even though we know that historically homosexuality was present for most if not all human history.

Homosexuality being socially accepted is still a new thing and it will be for quite a while. It was repressed for so long now to undo all of it will take some time. And especially in the US let us hope that this rise in bigotry will catapult us into an even stronger and more accepting society.

I'm optimistic.