My apologies for snapping at you, but that word and the "N" word produce strong reactions from me, and probably from a lot of Compendium folks.
S'alright.
Yes you're only homophobic when they try to hit on you.
It's a common reaction, and I don't really blame Shadow for it -- I was like that in my youth too, but then found out gays were a-okay when I learned Gandalf was gay. I.e., Sir Ian McKellan. I had the hugest amount of respect for him after his brilliant performance in Lord of the Rings, and when I felt the compulsion to let his homosexuality change my view of him, I realized how ridiculous it was. I think it's actually an incredibly important social function for celebrities to come out of the closet. It worked in my case, anyway.
I found out Elton John was gay, and still I love his music. Probably not gonna surprise anyone with this, but my favorite of all his songs was
Can You Feel The Love Tonight? Me and my close friend (yes the one who was also betrayed by Darkwolf) considered it our song when we were together.
Fact: Tact is bisexual.
As long as you don't hit on me, Tact, I honestly don't give a shit if you're bi or if you're flat-out gay. You're a good man.
Fact: Shadow does his best to learn the Rules Of The Internet so that he doesn't get called a Fruity Flower (don't like using Eff-Ay-Gee myself). Currently struggling, but will learn in time.
Fact: Despite being a straight guy, Shadow really is friends with a lesbian, and they really do get along well.
Super Fact: Shadow condemns homophobia more than he condemns any other form of prejudice.