Homophobes and Gay Pride 2011 in Split

When it comes to men, I find it interesting that the most ardent homophobes whom I have encountered in the Balkans spend significantly more time socializing with their male friends than with their wifes or girlfriends.

I've been to a few straight bars and have noticed that most inebriated young men get very touchy-feely with their male buddies (they hug, carress and squeeze each other) but they do not dare to approach straight girls (especially not if they are not alone but in a group of female friends).

Seeing that the most ardent homophobes usually are the deepest in the closet, ten thousand inhabitants of Split/Croatia came out during the first Pride that took place on June, 11th 2011.

Why did so many "anti-gay demonstrators" feel threatened by someone else's sexual orientation? Why were they so full of hatred, intolerance and readiness to resort to violence?