Scent-Free

Femme 2006: Conversations and Explorations is looking to be an exciting time for all. We are working hard to create an environment in which everyone experiences the conference as a comfortable for sharing thoughts and ideas. In keeping with this goal, our stance is that conference space be a scent-aware environment. While we cannot force each attendee to be scent-free, we want to address what being scent-free will mean for scent-sensitive conference participants.

Huh? What's this scent-aware stuff all about?

The same way that there are people who are sensitive to the dander of cats, cigarette smoke, pollen, or dust, there are people who are sensitive to the fragrances used in common body preparations. For many this sensitivity takes the form of headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. These are all immune responses not unlike those experienced by someone who has asthma. Those who are sensitive to scents or fragrances will describe the difficulty of balancing personal comfort with other people's personal style and expression. Often times scent sensitive folks don't want to encroach on other people's space, and instead will either sit in discomfort or simply leave public spaces in which particular perfumes or cosmetics are being used.

But I really like my perfume/ need my hair products. It's an important part of my daily routine.

We understand that perfumes, oils, hair products can be part of one's gender identity, ethnic identity or spiritual practice. In addition, we understand that it may not be feasible to completely abandon your daily practices. Don't' worry, no one will be policing anybody's use of cologne's, skin, and hair preparations. All we ask is that, when you know you're going to be in the communal space of the conference, you consider how using certain scented products could diminsh someone else's abilty to enjoy the same panels or workshops that are of interest to you.

Okay, I hear you. So what can I do?

--If possible, use products that are scent or fragrance-free when you know you're going to be in the shared spaces of the conference. Granted, some of these products are not financially feasible for many, difficult to find depending on where you live, or will not work for certain ethnic groups. Below are a couple of resources to help facilitate your quest:

http://www.rainbowresearch.com/

http://scentfree.dal.ca/products.shtml

--Be understanding if someone asks you to move or if, after you enter a space, they simply get up and move. Don't assume that it's you. It might be the fragrance on your person.

--Smoke as far away from entryways as possible. Twenty feet is great, 50 feet is ideal. California is a smoke-free state, and smoking indoors is allowed only in designated areas. These are few and far between. If you smoke, you'll most likely be doing so outdoors. Be mindful of entryways and other common areas.