Fear and loathing

Anyone born during the 1960's or before would have had a much greater propensity towards self loathing and would have done their best to ignore their dysphoria particularly if they were misaligned with sexual orientation. 

Therefore woman loving transgender people would have shown up to clinics as a last resort instead of as first instinct. This was less so the case for someone who was attracted to men (androphilics). 

Self loathing would have been encouraged through the messaging received even within one's own family where a father would have desired a son who didn't cry and didn't cross his legs after he sat down. 

The gender critical movement didn't need to try as hard in the 1980's and beyond and even had eager transitioners like Anne Lawrence agreeing with them. Fast forward to today and their targets are far less likely to put themselves down and surrender.