I was just sort of bemused because I could see the guys thought process being like “oh no I used neutral pronouns they’re going to think I’m gay”, quick start misgendering!
Definitely something I've noticed. A lot of homophobia being used by highschoolers, followed by "just messing around, I don't really have a problem with people being gay", followed by either insisting they aren't gay or jokes by others about them being gay. Was a bit surprised transphobia seemed less common than homophobia in those groups. Like, I don't remember hearing any overt homophobia when I was in grade-school (just "no homo" type comments). But maybe people just kept quiet with those jokes around me?
Happy Ace Week!