>>my experiences may not be representative
Only the most self-confident queer with no fears of bashing would respond wittily to a random passerby shouting obscenities.

Yeah, point taken, Jazzo. Tolerant neighborhoods most of my adult life, perhaps, in that I've never seen or even heard of "queer-bashing" incidents. Certainly used to happen in England, and probably still does in certain areas. But unless there's a conspiracy of silence going on, it's very rare indeed, which is a damn good thing.

Doesn't detract from the fact that considerable (above average) self-confidence is required to meet venom with wit, though.