They also generally come from middle-class backgrounds. The cause of homophobia is socially encouraged. The social roles parents give children greatly contributes to what is excepted and what is not excepted by society. While children grow up their constantly reminded of how to act, regardless of where they are. When a homosexual grows up they are constantly reminded that they can't be themselves, but what society wants them to be.
Religion also plays a part in homophobia.
They also state that homosexuals are evil and not worthy to live. Those religious individuals in turn pass on that message to their children, causing them to believe homosexuality is wrong, different, and unexpected. Individuals who believe strongly in their religion might believe they are doing God a favor by punishing those who go against his word. Some offenders use their religion as an excuse for their hate. Although perpetrators are mostly under the age of 25, they usually do not belong to a hate group, therefore making it hard to identify the perpetrators.