Thanks for your fab reply. I do 'get it' - I understand and agree with a lot of what you've said. I've been on both sides of this, too. Perhaps you're right and it's just growing pains but I sure hope there's a point where we can come back to the middle. It's so out of balance now, it's disturbing.

I do try to use "they" where it is appropriate but I'm particular about my writing and if I'm speaking about a hypothetical person in the singular, I CANNOT bring myself to write "they" e.g. "a person who takes care of themselves." Just makes my teeth itch!!!!

I twist myself in knots sometimes for ages trying to rework a piece to avoid this he/she issue and it bothers me that things have got to the point where I feel like I should have to do that.

I'm living with Complex PTSD (whole life but finally got a diagnosis) so I do understand about trauma and triggers.

I do agree that it's a good thing that we're hearing about these groups of people who have been marginalised. I've been in a group or two myself so I respect and understand it.

I just didn't / don't react the same way as those who get so upset and expect it to become a challenge for the rest of the population to speak.

I appreciate your comments and I thank you for putting a different spin on this. I'm sorry you've been on the receiving end of it, too (another thing we have in common!) and that you've also been silenced for much of your life (there's another!).

Definitely - time to speak up! I'm certainly interested in hearing what you have to say. Thank you for this exchange this evening. I appreciate it - and you!