The Consent Guidebook

Book excerpt: With the fierce momentum of the #MeToo movement, it has become clear that the conversation around consent is in the process of major evolution. For the first time in modern history, consent is being brought to the forefront of social awareness, and society is outraged at what has been uncovered in regard to boundary crossing, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. We, as a society, need to start learning, teaching, and sharing fundamental ideas to encourage respectful behavior. The Consent Guidebook provides a practical, easy-to-follow framework that offers practical advice for establishing boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others, complete with illustrations of consensual and nonconsensual scenarios. Over thirty sex educators, health professionals, HR managers, civil rights leaders, and thought leaders have contributed their own consent advice, stories, and aha moments to this book to offer a variety of perspectives. Topics covered include The Basics of Boundaries, Digital Consent, The Assumption of Consent and the Pop Culture Connection, How to Have Productive Consent Conversations, and Holding Others Accountable, Enthusiastic Consent with Sex, Survivor Support, and more.