I've never been beaten, but I've had cans thrown at me by strangers just because my voice sounded "gay" to them. A lot of gay men I know wont hold hands with their partner in public because they know this increases their chances of being attacked. I think another reason the rate of attacks is increasing is due to the fact that many more rights are being given to gays and homosexuality is finally being discussed in politics, and this causes a backlash.