How can assumptions make ensuring consent more difficult for masculine people?
Masculine people are made to feel as though they must always be ready, willing, dominant, and in control. They are seen as having no control over sexual impulses, as well as being cold and unfeeling, which contributes to a culture of victim-blaming and a lack of accountability.
What toxic behaviour can this lead to?
– Paying on dates, and feeling emasculated when another person pays
– A pack mentality, where it isn’t okay to talk about feelings around other men
– Bragging about sex, sharing explicit details/ showing pictures without consent
How can masculine people talk about consent?
– Talking about consent in non-sexual situations first can make things easier
– Challenge toxic and troublesome behaviours and assumptions
– Think critically about your own/ other people’s behaviours surrounding masculinity
– Encourage healthy masculine friendships
Society’s definition of masculinity is limiting and restrictive, but if you’re masculine and you like to do something, then that is a masculine thing to do.