That happened bc they went to uni in a supportive environment where they obtained the tools to see thru pseudo-intellectual right-wing drivel, a vocabulary for understanding themselves, and a creative outlet. Things could have gone very differently had they not.
I can say as an academic and a Jewish trans woman who underwent an early version of conversion therapy as a kid, I flirted with libertarianism in undergrad, believing in meritocracy, but getting out and seeing different cultures got me to understand the evil of hierarchy and hegemony.
Oh I can absolutely see this trajectory! Iām glad you got out.