The Consent Primer

What you need to know about consent–and why it matters.

- Micah Sulit

Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Louis C.K. lead a long list of Hollywood figures who have been accused of sexual misconduct and subsequently fired. In November, viral tweets accused members of local indie bands Jensen and the Flips, Sud, Miles Experience, and Ang Bandang Shirley of inappropriate behavior, and concert organizers were quick to pull them from event rosters. Some of the musicians involved have admitted that at least part of the allegations against them are true.

Of course, sexual harassment doesn’t just happen in showbiz—it happens to ordinary women every day. A 2016 Social Weather Stations survey of 800 Quezon City residents revealed that three in five women have experienced some form of sexual harassment at least once in their lifetime. Meanwhile, three in five men admit to having committed some form of sexual harassment at least once in their lifetime.

In theory, we know there shouldn’t be any sexual activity without your partner’s consent, but what exactly does consent look like? Wearing a low-cut top? Smiling at a hot guy in the club? Read on for a much needed refresher.

A CONSCIOUS DECISION

“Consent is the ‘conscious and considered agreement to voluntarily engage in sexual activity with another,’” says Rica Cruz, a sex therapist and counseling psychologist at the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services. See how she says “sexual activity” instead of just sex? Consent isn’t only for intercourse. Let’s break down the nuances of consent in potentially sticky situations you might find yourself in.

CONSENT HAS TO BE CONSCIOUS AND CONSIDERED.