Honestly I don't see anything wrong with saying another guy is handsome. It doesn't make someone gay. (And I don't think being gay is a negative thing either). It's an aesthetic remark, not a sexual one. It's more common among women (to praise each other), not so much among men, but it doesn't bother me. South American, Middle Eastern and Italian men kiss each other from the cheek as a greeting. It isn't considered gay either. And these are, mind you, more homophobic cultures than North America. I think your idea of "gay" is a caricature, not a real one. I've met many gay people when I lived in the US as I did theater - some were stereotypical gay, I admit, but many weren't. It's an interesting topic so I wanted to add my two cents. Some of my best friends tease and call me "bi" when I make aesthetic remarks about other men, so I'm used to the response I got and I was expecting it too. It's hilarious.