Cady - it has become a vicious circle fuelled by a few activists on both sides and some media sources who are playing up the divisions to create stories which they are printing every day.
The existence of the fear of retribution is causing pre-emptive action out of expectation that then creates a new story that leads to further escalation.
Remember the spat about the London train announcements last year. A trans woman objected to being mistakenly gendered by a station staff. Complained. The staff member was told not to presume gender next time.
That ought to have been the end of the matter. No publicity. No story.
But to try to defuse any anticipated future reaction from trans activists - some of which no doubt might have come - an out of proportion decision was taken to abandon all pre recorded announcements saying 'Good morning ladies and gentlemen' on the grounds that this might offend someone who is either, neither or both.
Or possibly to not offend any guide dogs travelling or Martians if they failed to include them. Not sure. In any case it was bonkers.
The point is it was a totally needless OTT reaction born out of fear of a possible backlash. Not an actual backlash.
Just as with The Mathew Wright Show.
I cannot imagine who even listens to these train announcements let alone who could possibly get annoyed at one phrase clearly not directed at any individual let alone them.
But, of course, the act plays right into the hands of the media who have that days story ready to go and endless disgusted complaint posts on line. Click bait.
I am not saying there would be no backlash or that idiots are not saying stupid things. Because some clearly are.
However, this whole mess is spiralling out of control partly because of the agenda driven not by either side but the media who are using some incident to promote themselves with very powerful consequences given the numbers involved.