How did the image of pedophiles having mustaches, especially pencil 'staches, come to be?

by leonardearl

I understand this might violate the twenty year rule, but I ask because I'm also not sure quite how old this idea is, so please forgive me. In my native culture, mustaches are a normal thing and most adult men have them, but in America, mustaches are often viewed as creepy. How did this stereotype develop? Is it unique to America? Are there analogous stereotypes in other cultures? Thanks.

Ezterhazy

Do you have any examples of this trope?

NestoriM

Maybe it's inherited from the images of Tom of Finland, who probably influenced gay fashion. Maybe it was seen by outsiders as a "pervert" look.