Key takeaway from the article for me was this paragraph:
"The stark reality is now inescapable: legislations targeting the medical care of transgender adults have taken root, despite the claims of anti-trans activists that they are trying to “protect children” with these laws. Florida's new provisions represent the first significant restrictions on trans adult care to fully materialize."
I grew up in a similar place - I was still surprised to find how many people were ignorant enough that they didn't have a fully formed, hateful opinion, so they were easier for me to talk to and deal with.