On social issues like LGBTQ there’s a generational effect, like a shifting baseline. I’m a millennial and I support gays and trans people as much as the next guy, but because I grew up with it, I’m not as sensitive to the use of gay as a casual epithet as someone younger.

If we didn’t have a political system that drives people into 2 parties, there would probably be a party for blue dog democrats that’s more moderate and socially conservative.

Look up Moral Foundations Theory to get a better understanding of the psychological underpinnings of political ideology.