Affirmative Consent

Consent is complex. Even adults can struggle to understand what it is, how it works and how we manage it in the maelstrom of emotions that can happen in sexual encounters.

What do I say if I really like someone but I’m not sure how far I want to go? What do I do if I think someone really likes me but I’m not sure how far they want to go? How do I communicate conflicting feelings of nervousness, excitement, fear, joy, desire, uncertainty, or love? How do I know what they want? How do I know what I want?

Reducing consent to a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ doesn’t help teens answer these questions and navigate safe, joyful, consensual encounters.

Jane Gilmore has spent years researching, writing, and teaching about the causes and effects of non-consensual interactions. This session is about what she has learned and practical, age-appropriate tips on how to give and receive consent.

This session can be for secondary school students or for parents wanting to help their teen children better understand consent.

Topics covered:
* What is consent?
* Who has power?
* Who has responsibility?
* De-weaponising shame
* Remembering joy