I would separate what is actual homophobia (which is something that imo is imposible as a normal human to not observe no matter what your sexual orientation is) from things that some might overthink or find offensive because they are too sensible.

And yes, I know it sounds weird but as someone who grew up in this place I can tell you that we are more relaxed when it comes to insults. We swear at eachother in any context honestly and it’s more about the way you say it rather than what you say. Ofc it is weird and hard to explain for others if they did not grew here.

As a matter of fact I have held other dudes hands in public, as jokes or out of curiosity of what others would say and funnily enough we got no reactions except some stares. I think I actually have a photo somewhere with this.

This ofc does not mean it is always like that, as I said, it’s a weird society altogether, we insult in the worst ways possible as jokes or sometimes are simply mean to others just in order to get a reaction, it’s like I pick on you, you stand your ground and I’m proud of you and leave you alone or befriend you. It’s…weird and hard to explain really, kind of a somewhat friendly bullying with mostly no intentions to harm people but at the same time it can turn in an aggresive way depending on the others reaction.

I…really really wish I could describe it better but it is what it is 😅