I think a study on this would be very, very interesting. The slash is as part of me as being bi or being a blonde *G* It was always there -- though it was all quite secret until I started posting my Due South slash when I was 18. I've also been very lucky to have two very open-minded friends -- one who is pretty much as into the slash as I am, the other who may not actively be a slasher, but certainly isn't squicked by it.