No we aren't changing society. That's not what's happening here.
There's a reason there is only 1 publicly out professional football player. And it's not because there's only one. It's because they live in fear of being abused by thousands because authorities haven't historically taken the right course of action to stamp it out. As a referee, you are the authority in that game. So to hear refs saying, ah, it's just a word only serves to strengthen the view of those not wanting to go public as they won't get the protection
they deserve.
If the ref won't do anything. The associations are next to powerless to do anything.
I can say with almost certainty, ateast in England, if somone called someone gay, you heard it, did nothing, it was reported and your response at your hearing (because you would be having one) was it is just a word, you would find yourself on a mandatory course before being allowed to officiate again.
Tbf I am not surprised these are your views as I recall having a very closely related conversation with your alter ego
@Ciley Myrus which went a similar way.