It's kind of a weird title that doesn't really match the article but I guess the whole point is that the author doesn't want to reify the concept of "backlash"

His counter example, gay marriage, was also "a conspiracy" in that conservative activists and billionaires pushed the issue to try to win votes by targeting a minority in 2004. 11 states had gay marriage bans on the polls in a cynical attempt to drive engagement and get their voters out.

Targetting minorities is a successful political strategy if you have no morals. People have built entire media careers on it.

Talking about Jewish or black or gay rapists is another classic that Jesse reprises here. It works.

Luckily he's just asking questions and isn't part of some "conspiracy".

The paper by Rogers Brubaker that Singal references (linked below) is a very interesting read. The author delves thoroughly into the history and ongoing impact of the "gender identity" concept on society.

https://www.theoryandsocialinquiry.org/article/id/18211