It's Hard to Be Perfectly P.C.

By DAVID ELLIS

Even when it comes to sensitivity, you can have too much of a good thing. The National Lesbian Conference last month in Atlanta was less than a ringing success, in part because conventioneers were distracted by the many "agreements" they were supposed to keep in mind. In deference to those suffering from "environmental illnesses," the NLC prohibited any perfume or clothing washed in scented soaps. The ban was enforced by a sentry wearing a surgical mask. Another guideline called for "parity" at all conference events. Thus half of all committee members had to be "lesbians of color," 20% had to be lesbians with disabilities and at least 5% of the members "old lesbians" (definition: "over 50 with a history of ageism activism"). In some areas, however, organizers abandoned any effort to find common ground. Because vegetarians and carnivores alike were attending the conference, no food at all was available for sale.

With reporting by Sidney Urquhart