This reminds us that homophobia, the particular kind directed against gay men, is rooted in misogyny. It actually is misogyny, in a way. Homophobia wouldn't be possible if comparing a man to a woman didn't sting.

It's more okay for a woman to be like a man, because in the eyes of homophobes men are better than women. Stronger, more powerful, and meant for athleticism and leadership.

So when a female athlete "acts like a man," she is in some ways (in the eyes of homophobes and misogynists) being admirable. The same crowd might claim that she should be home taking care of children and cooking for her man, but the visceral disgust is usually absent.

However, when a man dares to be like a woman, —and even very traditionally masculine-presenting gay men do that when they love other men— then he's seen as betraying the strength, power, and superiority that men are "supposed" to embody.

That's what sets homophobes off against gay men and bisexual men.

Because in a patriarchal society where men are traditionally dominant, any rejection of traditional masculinity is seen as unacceptable betrayal.

Just look at how anti-gay slurs tend toward describing man as feminine or enjoying feminine things.