do you guys feel like homophobia is getting worse?

my cousin recently came to me frustrated about something that's been bothering him for a while.
he told me he's straight, but he really can't stand religious fanatics, especially when it comes to homophobia and strict gender roles. he told me about an intense debate he had in class with an overly religious boy at his college. according to him, most people sided with the religious boy, which wasn't surprising given how christian-ingrained our country is. but some of his classmates (mostly the top/honor students, he said) and even one of the the religious boy's friends took my cousin's side.

when i told him he could just ignore people like that, he said he knows he could, but what makes him angry is the way some of them act so certain they're morally right while shaming other christians who support lgbt people and telling people they're going to hell. he told me he often points out what he sees as hypocrisy, and while that usually gets him mobbed online, he still stands his ground.
he also told me that one thing he's noticed is that when some religious people feel cornered in an argument, they usually do one of three things: . 1. they accuse him of being gay then mock him or 2. pull out a bible verse instead of answering the question directly or 3. just say "truth hurts."

he had a long conversation with me. part of why it affects him so much is because he has lgbt friends, a lesbian cousin (me), and a brother he cares about. hearing some of the things people say genuinely upsets him.

i admit i get angry too. i told him i used to argue with people like that, but now i mostly block and avoid them for my peace. my cousin says he can't do that because the comments still get under his skin and he said their dumbness amuses him at the same time.

so i'm curious what other people think.
why do some people care so much about other people's sexuality or gender roles? and do you feel like homophobia is getting worse, staying the same, or improving where you live?