Maybe they're just more publicized/popularized because people are trying to be so accepting but in turn make targets out of the homophobes and every little remark (which would've been largely ignored before) they make gets blown up like it's under a microscope. not saying that's a bad thing btw.
or like others suggest, it's just that the ignorant, homophobic people are starting to become more vocal out of irrational fear of their own "safety."
or maybe it's always been like this & you're just now noticing it because it's starting to be pointed out to you or has come to your attention so it seems like it's happening more often but it's actually occurring at the same pace it has always been.