It's propaganda by a certain party that lies to them telling them that trans people are after their children to convert them, after them to catfish them and just terrible people all around. Nevermind that trans people are just people trying to live their own lives with their own worries.

[–] adhocfungus@midwest.social 6 points 10 months ago

trans people are after their children to convert them

I think this is a very big part of it. When I was a teenager and our state legalized gay marriage my dad said it was great. He was all for their freedom to do as they pleased behind closed doors. But as soon as he thought I, his son, might be gay he was terrified. Suddenly he would change the channel if an effeminate man walked on. He'd leave Maxim magazines everywhere. He'd mock anybody "acting" gay.

Fearing for your children is incredibly powerful. Best case my dad was scared I would be bullied. More likely I think he was scared people would see him differently and he might be mocked. It's such an easy lever for politicians to pull when trying to manipulate their voters.