Sounds like religious conversion through discrimination.

Well most sadly and unfortunately, imo, it only stands to reason since we, the Atheists, etc, etc, have been ground down under the vicious boot heels of religions for centuries upon centuries.
So , of course people young and old are afraid to Stand up and be Counted even though, imo, they should not be so since Christianity in particular,imo, has had its fangs pulled somewhat of late and though it still hisses, it is becoming more and more like little more than a frightened worm and less like the vicious, brutal, venomous snake it once was.
Religions and its religio-tard followers THRIVE on the false fears and dreads they TRY to instill into us and when show fear it feeds them, hence, the opposite occurs when we ALL Stand united and show NO Fear.
We should ALL Stand Tall, Stand Proud and Stand 100% FIRM, Fear them NOT and stand together as ONE for that is TRULY what they fear and dread the most.

I wouldn't want to be a young, 'out' atheist in the bible-belt.

I sure do wish more people would be less afraid of the reactions of others.
When more non-believers challenge the reactions of believers, the feared consequences will become less prevalent.

Fear is the mind-killer.
Be bold.
Defy the naysayers.

Of course they do, they have a lot to loose sometimes.

Depending on geography and peer group this shouldn't be all that surprising.