It is easy for people to demonize what doesn't have a familiar face. By being "out" your friends family neighbors and coworkers all have to reconcile their relationship with you against "the gays" that they hear about on TV, etc. I know things are better now than 20 years ago, but there are still plenty of places where the "threat of the gay agenda" holds sway and it's tougher to fear/hate/oppress people for something like their sexual orientation when you realize your own loved one IS one. ;)