Only 0.6% of the total U.S. adult population identifies as transgender.

Of this already tiny number, a certain extremely vocal faction and its allies insist on the use of coded language meant to honor the transgender orientation. This includes weird phrases like “pregnant people” instead of “pregnant women,” and “chestfeeding ” in place of “breastfeeding.”

Rather shockingly, some of the biggest and most powerful publications in the country have acquiesced to these demands, publishing reports and headlines using bland and confusing euphemisms in place of clear language. They are doing this even though the demand for the supposedly trans-inclusive language comes from a tiny fraction of a tiny fraction.

In other words, the fringe of the fringe has taken control of the English language. Major corporations are simply going along for the ride, subjecting the many to the linguistic demands of the few. When we talk about power in culture and politics, this is what it looks like.