153 - Building Consent Culture (with author Kitty Stryker)

Consent Dynamics

Kitty Stryker, a feminist writer and queer activist, expands the concept of consent beyond sexual contexts, highlighting its presence in everyday interactions. She explains that consent is a dynamic process, akin to a dance, where implicit and explicit cues play a crucial role in social situations like medical consultations or even casual conversations 1. Kitty emphasizes the importance of recognizing non-verbal cues, such as body language, which often indicate consent or its absence 2. She argues that ethical considerations should guide our actions, rather than merely legal ones, to respect personal autonomy 3.

There's lots of things that are legal to do that are not ethical or moral to do, but they're still legal.

--- Kitty Stryker

Dedeker Winston and Jase Lindgren join the discussion, exploring how societal norms often overlook these nuances.

   

Cultural Perceptions

Consent is perceived differently across cultures, impacting how it is discussed and practiced. Kitty Stryker notes that while consent issues are universal, the language and stakes vary between communities, such as polyamorous versus monogamous groups 4. She highlights the influence of patriarchal structures on sex morality, where sex negativity and positivity are often misunderstood and conflated with moral judgments 5. This cultural lens affects how consent is framed, often reducing it to legalistic terms rather than focusing on mutual respect and autonomy.

We tend to think about it more legalistically.

--- Jase Lindgren

Emily Matlack adds that these differences can obscure genuine consent violations, making them harder to address.

   

Consent Education

Teaching consent effectively requires understanding the diverse entry points for different audiences. Kitty Stryker shares her experiences in educating groups unfamiliar with consent, emphasizing the need to relate it to their personal experiences 6. She discusses the power dynamics in professional settings, such as medical consultations, where consent should be explicitly sought to avoid abuses of authority 7. By framing consent as a shared responsibility, educators can foster environments where open dialogue and mutual respect are prioritized.

I expect even more to be asked for my permission when it comes to my doctor.

--- Kitty Stryker

Jase Lindgren and Dedeker Winston agree that these conversations are crucial for building a consent culture.