Community Agreements: How We Do BECAUSE
Guidelines for Participation
Sometimes we might feel brave or vulnerable, or we might feel so excited that we can’t hide it. As individuals and as a collective, we can support one another by following these guidelines:
Sometimes we might feel brave or vulnerable, or we might feel so excited that we can’t hide it. As individuals and as a collective, we can support one another by following these guidelines:
- We are all learners and teachers.
- Respect confidentiality. Share the lesson, not the details.
- Do self and/or collective care as needed so that you may be present.
- Acknowledge that stereotypes exist and are harmful. A presenter or participant might name and discuss a painful stereotype. It’s okay to have these conversations.
- If you do not understand a term or feel confused, ask questions. If you do not feel comfortable asking during the session, ask the presenter if you can email them later.
- Think about whose voices are being heard and whose are not. It’s great to be an active participant, but remember to take a look around you. How can you support a welcoming environment for more people to be heard, especially those most marginalized?
- Take risks. The most authentic learning we do is when we take risks and push ourselves out of our comfort zones—together.
- Assume good intent, and be accountable if someone gets hurt or your words or actions have an unintended effect. If you feel unsafe or notice someone acting unsafe, please visit the registration table.
Sex-Positive Statement
The BECAUSE Planning Committee supports sex-positive perspectives and advocates for our event to be a safer space for open dialogue. Sex positivity refers to the notion that sex or non-sexual relationships can be a positive force both in personal development and society. Consensual sexual expression should be respected regardless of the form that expression takes. It is not appropriate to judge others’ consensual choices regarding whether or not someone is having sex, how to have sex, whom to have sex with, and how one defines one’s sexual orientation and identity. It is equally important to focus on the positive aspects of sexuality, like sexual pleasure or the choice not to engage in sexual activity, and not just on disease prevention, prevention of sexual assault, and unwanted pregnancy. It is also important to not focus solely on sexual relationships as the highest form of partnership, but make room for all kinds of bi+ relationships and partnerships that are not (only) based on sex. Sexuality is largely a social construct, and we can learn how we wish to define ourselves and ask for folks to respect our self-identifications.
The BECAUSE Planning Committee supports sex-positive perspectives and advocates for our event to be a safer space for open dialogue. Sex positivity refers to the notion that sex or non-sexual relationships can be a positive force both in personal development and society. Consensual sexual expression should be respected regardless of the form that expression takes. It is not appropriate to judge others’ consensual choices regarding whether or not someone is having sex, how to have sex, whom to have sex with, and how one defines one’s sexual orientation and identity. It is equally important to focus on the positive aspects of sexuality, like sexual pleasure or the choice not to engage in sexual activity, and not just on disease prevention, prevention of sexual assault, and unwanted pregnancy. It is also important to not focus solely on sexual relationships as the highest form of partnership, but make room for all kinds of bi+ relationships and partnerships that are not (only) based on sex. Sexuality is largely a social construct, and we can learn how we wish to define ourselves and ask for folks to respect our self-identifications.
Pronouns and Self-Determination
We encourage BECAUSE participants to refrain from making assumptions about others’ sexual orientation, gender identity or other cultural and social identities. Out of respect for gender diversity, please use conference participants’ stated pronouns. If you are unsure of someone’s gender identity and preferred pronoun (e.g., she, he, they, ze, no pronoun) please respectfully ask how you should refer to that individual.
We encourage BECAUSE participants to refrain from making assumptions about others’ sexual orientation, gender identity or other cultural and social identities. Out of respect for gender diversity, please use conference participants’ stated pronouns. If you are unsure of someone’s gender identity and preferred pronoun (e.g., she, he, they, ze, no pronoun) please respectfully ask how you should refer to that individual.
Photography, Video, and Flash Request
Please ask before taking any pictures or videos. Not all participants will be comfortable with their picture being taken. Stickers will be available at registration to add to your nametag if you do not want to be photographed or recorded. If you do take pictures, please do not use a flash, as people may have light sensitivities.
Please ask before taking any pictures or videos. Not all participants will be comfortable with their picture being taken. Stickers will be available at registration to add to your nametag if you do not want to be photographed or recorded. If you do take pictures, please do not use a flash, as people may have light sensitivities.
Scent-Free Request
Please do not use scented products at BECAUSE. People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) have severe allergic reactions to many of the chemicals commonly found in scented products such as soaps, deodorants, and hair products. While we cannot guarantee a totally scent-free environment, each of us can do a great deal in making sure that everyone is comfortable.
Please do not use scented products at BECAUSE. People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) have severe allergic reactions to many of the chemicals commonly found in scented products such as soaps, deodorants, and hair products. While we cannot guarantee a totally scent-free environment, each of us can do a great deal in making sure that everyone is comfortable.