The purpose of the Grima & Théoden subplot was to illustrate how nobody is immune to deception and propaganda. We need working class conservatives to wake up and realize they’ve been lied to.

Coming at it from this angle I don’t disagree, but I also don’t think it addresses people’s often conscious buying-in to a hierarchical system of oppression which can stem from personal and preexisting prejudices. Not every transphobe or racist is a lost sheep. Many know exactly what they’re doing. They’re the ones who push the propaganda the hardest, after all. Even Grima sheds a tear when he sees what Saruman is doing will be the end of man.

Meanwhile I think you’re conflating homophobia with transphobia.

Not at all. We were curiosities, aberrations. The word “shemale” says it all. Ever read about John Money?

Back in the day, gender affirming treatment was strictly gatekept by the medical community. Trans women were expected to show up in “crossdress” to prove their need for treatment. They needed letters from mental health professionals. They were directed after surgery/treatment to never reveal to anyone their past life as a man.

We were invisible because these people decided we should be.