Consent stands as a cornerstone in the realm of BDSM, power exchange relationships and alternate lifestyles. To truly grasp the depth of consent, we must explore its fundamental characteristics, each representing a vital facet of this sacred agreement:
Voluntary Choice:
Consent is, above all, a choice. It is the deliberate act of individuals willingly engaging in BDSM activities or entering power exchange relationships. This choice must remain free from any shadow of threats, fraud, coercion, or deceit. It is a decision made with open hearts and without duress.
Informed Awareness:
Consent thrives on informed awareness. All parties involved must possess a comprehensive understanding of the BDSM activities planned or the dynamics of the power exchange relationship. Knowledge is the bedrock upon which consent is built, ensuring that every participant enters with eyes wide open.
Sound-Minded Adulthood:
BDSM is the terrain of consenting adults. To grant consent, one must be of sound mind and legal age. This requirement safeguards the integrity of the agreement. Each individual shares the responsibility of confirming their partner's mental capacity. In the pursuit of consent, a clearheaded state of mind is paramount, free from the influence of substances like alcohol, prescription medications, recreational drugs, or any mind altering chemicals - including natural ones.
Defined Boundaries:
Consent is not an unrestricted pass. It is a pact with well-defined limits. Clarity is essential in articulating the specific BDSM activities or the nature of the power exchange relationship under consideration. Consent demands precision.
Revocable at Will:
Consent remains revocable at any given moment. It is an agreement that can be terminated by any consenting adult involved. Inherent in this principle is the obligation to establish methods and means for effective communication. In the absence of prearranged signals or safewords, the default language is plain English—no means no, stop means stop. Everyone possesses the right to halt any situation at any time, for any reason. Respect for such decisions is paramount.
Continuous Communication:
Consent thrives on ongoing, open communication. Effective communication is not just a component; it is the lifeblood of consent. In any BDSM scene, participants must have established, mutual means of communication, whether through spoken words, safewords, body language, or safe signals.
Risk Awareness and Acceptance:
Consent stands as a cornerstone in the realm of BDSM and power exchange relationships. Consent cannot be granted without an understanding of associated risks and the willingness to accept them. It extends beyond mere agreement; it necessitates a baseline knowledge of potential risks and a readiness to embrace them. Consent that hinges on everything going perfectly is not genuine consent at all.