Non-sexist language: More important than difficult

Wrapping up a recent article, I typed the word middleman. Then I paused, because it’s sexist. But, I wondered, does anyone say middleperson? 

I googled it. Style manuals weren’t of much help, but no shortage of indignant armchair commentators expressed indignation at the very suggestion, assuring the world there’s nothing sexist about -man.

Every one of said armchair commentators was male.

In the end, my reasoned, professional opinion was: Screw it. I’m going with middleperson. We are now well past the article’s publication, and not one reader has protested. 

Getting sexism out of language is more important than it is difficult.

—Steve Cuno