Well put. I am also not young. I remember the hate and the use of that word as well. It really does weird me out at times that the queer community is as accepted as it has become. I hope it will one day be a normalized part of society. Many of my old friends and family would welcome that.
As for that woman you wrote of, I agree with you except for her being pitied. She deserves nothing other than to be remembered for her actions so they will hopefully not be allowed to happen again.