RMY14(under15): Sexuality and consent
| Duration | 15 minutes |
| Learning Objectives | To understand that sexuality is a complex subject and deeply personal and can change over time. To also understand the legal and moral complexities of consent. |
| Tools/materials for the Presenter | Rural Minds Youth PowerPoint – Sexuality and consent (under15) |
| Lesson Components | Sexuality includes your sexual behaviours, attractions, preferences and identity. The intensity of sexual feelings tend to increase as you progress through puberty. When we talk about our sexuality, we are often talking about our sexual orientation and describing who we are attracted to. Common sexual orientations include: Heterosexual – someone who is attracted to the opposite sex, eg. men who are attracted to women, women who are attracted to men Homosexual – someone who is attracted to the same sex, eg. men who are attracted to men (gay), women who are attracted to women (lesbian) Bisexual – someone who is attracted to both men and women (although they might be more attracted to one sex than the other) Asexual – someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction to men or women There is no right or wrong, it is all about you. You could be attracted to men, women, both, neither, or other gender identities. It is also okay if you don’t know what your sexual orientation or gender identity is, or if they change over time. Consent Consent is permission and agreeing to participate in a specific activity. It must be given freely. Sexual consent must be explicit There must be a clear ‘yes’ by both you and your partner when agreeing to a sexual activity – even kissing and touching. Just because someone didn’t say ‘no’, that doesn’t mean they have given consent. You can always change your mind You or your partner can change your mind at any time, even if the sexual activity has already started. You are both entitled to withdraw consent. If this happens, both people must stop. Not stopping when someone has changed their mind is sexual assault. It’s good to check in with each other Even once consent is given, you need to keep checking in with your partner. Take notice of their body language and ask if they are okay. If you are not comfortable with what is happening, you need to tell your partner. You might need to stop, slow down or take a break. It’s fine to slow things down or stop If you’re just not feeling it, there is no reason for you to do anything sexual. Your partner should always respect your feelings, just like you should respect theirs. Alcohol and drugs affect consent Simply put, you cannot give consent if you are drunk or under the influence of drugs. Consent must be given freely and, if you are under the influence, your ability to make decisions will be affected. On the other hand, if you are sexual with someone who is not fully aware of what is going on for any reason (and therefore cannot give consent), it is sexual assault. Your body, your choice. Always. |
| Key messages | There are many different types of sexual behaviours, preferences, attractions, orientations and identities. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your own sexuality. It is okay if you’re not sure what your sexual identity or orientation is, or if it changes over time. Consent must always be clear and freely given It is against the law to engage in sexual activity without consent. There are the five things you need to know about sexual consent: 1. Sexual Consent must be explicit 2. You can always change your mind 3. It is good to check in with each other 4. It is fine to slow things down or stop 5. Drink and drugs affect consent Your body, your choice, always |
| Reflection | What is the most important thing you learnt about sexuality and consent today? |