Affirmative consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of Affirmative Consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
You can use the Got Consent: Be SU.R.E. campaign to make sure you have consent throughout your entire sexual activity.
Got Consent? Be SU.R.E.
SU: Shared Understanding
- Voluntary and freely given (not coercive)
- Mutual: all participants want “this” to happen
- All participants have agreed to whatever “this” is
R: Respectful
- Informed: Think about what kind of information would be important to share to be informed before engaging in sexual activities
- Clear-minded: The person has the capacity to understand and make judgement
E: Enthusiastic
- Not passive
- Wanting to participate
- Actively involved
Remember:
- The initiator is always responsible for getting consent, and it is possible that the initiator might change throughout the sexual interaction.
- Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity.
- Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent.
- The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
What consent looks like:
The following Laci Green video talks about how you can be sure you have affirmative consent.