"I have gay friends."

What does it mean when you say "I have gay friends" as a response to "are you homophobic"?

I'm always perplexed by this answer. It doesn't even really answer the question.

- Is the sky blue?
- There were clouds.

Just because you have gay friends doesn't mean that you're not homophobic. Similarly, just because you don't have gay friends doesn't mean you are homophobic. Clearly you have gay friends because gay people don't scare you. Or maybe it's just another tally in your diverse circle of acquaintances. Asian? Check. Black person? Check. Latino? Check. Hispanic? Check. Straight? Check, check, check.

By saying that, does it justify that you're not "afraid" of gay people?

Do you just like the gay person because they're cool but you choose to not acknowledge their homosexuality? Or do you embrace their homosexuality as well? If you have gay friends does that mean you have to agree with their lifestyle? I mean, it's their life.

I guess there's a fine line between tolerating and accepting homosexuality.

It's just a very peculiar response. "I have gay friends".