Yeah I think it's actually the opposite, in extremely homophobic middle eastern countries it's not uncommon to see close straight male friends holding hands etc

Yeah I think it's actually the opposite, in extremely homophobic middle eastern countries it's not uncommon to see close straight male friends holding hands etc, because it would be unthinkable to insinuate they are gay given the social taboo. Meanwhile in the West it is only gay male couples that hold hands, and straight men avoid it to avoid being seen as "gay" which would make women reject them etc.