For sexual harassment to occur, the offended party can be harassed merely by overhearing 2 other people discuss what a 4th person did to a 5th. And the 4th and 5th people be the harassers.<p>This is common sexual harassment policy, and if she found the concept of a "dongle" offensive for ANY REASON, then she must be accommodated, as part of the policy.
Pertaining to the forking comments, I was once in Adria's shoes. While riding the school bus in high school some younger kids kept yelling a stupid phrase and then would burst out with laughter. "Fire in the hole!" I got tired of it so I pulled a passive aggressive move a just blew up at them. I had misinterpreted it to be something sexual and so I assumed they were laughing at something they also didn't understand. I yelled at them and then asked them if they knew what they were talking about... Long story short. I got in trouble for sexual harassment. I felt awful for my behavior and apologized to the kids after I realized I acted improperly too.<p>In response to the dongle comments. Referring to parts you don't have would be much worse as then you are/can only judge others. Referring to a part you have can be judging yourself, but not always. Regardless, "private conversations" in public spaces where it is reasonable to believe others can hear are not protected private conversations and anything discussed should take into consideration what/how others might hear them. If they were in the hallway between sessions talking and Adria was just walking by it would be slightly different. If they were in a room by themselves... thats a private conversation. However, they were sitting in a room with others sitting nearby that could hear them. Regardless of what they were saying they were being disrespectful by distracting other attendees.<p>My point? 1) Be careful not to be the one incorrectly applying sexual context to overheard words or conversations. 2) be cognizant of your surroundings and aware of how your conversation could be perceived in public settings. 3) be respectful.