Mel Schilling

And I think what's been most enlightening for me in really learning about consent is two things.

One, it needs to be enthusiastic.

I like that.

It is not just a, oh, yeah, okay.

It's, yes, I absolutely want to do this, whether that's verbal or nonverbal, but showing enthusiasm.

And number two, it's continuous.

I think that's the most important part because that means that you can actually withdraw consent at any point throughout your sexual experience.

And I think that's very new.

It's a new concept because, you know, many years ago, the idea was like that before.

Or you gave me a kiss.

Therefore, that's an open door to have sex.

Yes.

I paid for your dinner.

Therefore, you owe me sex.

All of that stuff is irrelevant now.

And it's now come down to that communication between those two partners or three or whoever's involved, the people who are involved.

It's about that open communication and continuous communication.

So this now means that if someone is entering into the sexual realm with you, it's not just about doing it.

It's about talking about doing it.

So this is where all of that conversation stuff becomes so important.