Ethics in Sexuality

A

Abuse of Power

Abuse of power refers to a situation where one person in a position of authority or influence uses their power to exploit, manipulate, or harm another person, often for personal gain or gratification. This can occur in any relationship, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, or professional settings, and can take many forms, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

Affirmative Consent

Affirmative consent refers to a clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement between participants in a sexual activity, where all parties have explicitly communicated their willingness to engage in each other's company and specific actions. It involves an active and voluntary exchange of "yes" or equivalent signals, rather than relying on assumptions or silence as consent.

B

Bodily Autonomy

Bodily autonomy is the fundamental right to make decisions about your own body, including choices about sexual activity, reproductive health, physical boundaries, and medical care. It means having complete control over who can touch you, what happens to your body, and what medical or sexual choices you make, without coercion or pressure from others.

Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is a dating behavior where someone sends sporadic, noncommittal messages or shows minimal interest to keep someone interested without any intention of pursuing a genuine relationship. Like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs, the person provides just enough attention to maintain hope and connection, but never enough to develop something meaningful.

C

Catfishing

Catfishing refers to the deceptive practice of creating a fake online identity or profile to lure someone into an emotional or romantic relationship, often by using stolen photos and fabricated personal information. This form of online deception can occur on dating apps, social media platforms, or any digital space where people connect romantically, with the catfisher typically having ulterior motives ranging from financial gain to emotional manipulation.

Child pornography laws

Child pornography laws are legal regulations that criminalize the production, distribution, possession, or viewing of any sexually explicit content involving minors under 18 years old, with violations typically resulting in severe criminal penalties including heavy fines and imprisonment. These laws exist to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, and apply to both digital and physical content.

Coercion

Sexual coercion refers to the use of pressure, manipulation, threats, or emotional tactics to make someone engage in sexual activity when they are unwilling or hesitant, including subtle forms like guilt-tripping, persistent begging, or making someone feel obligated to perform sexual acts. This behavior exists on a spectrum from subtle emotional manipulation to more overt forms of pressure, and while it may not always involve physical force, it's still a form of sexual violence that violates consent and personal boundaries.

Consent Culture

Consent culture refers to a social environment where asking for and giving consent is normalized and valued, particularly in sexual and romantic contexts. It emphasizes the importance of clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement between all parties involved in any sexual activity or intimate interaction. In a consent culture, the absence of a "no" is not considered consent; instead, an explicit "yes" is required.

Consent

Consent is the freely given agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is an essential concept in sexual interactions that involves clearly communicating intentions, desires, and boundaries. Consent should be affirmative, ongoing, and can be revoked at any time. All parties must have the capacity to consent, which means being of legal age, mentally capable, and not incapacitated by substances or coercion.

D

Deadnaming

Deadnaming refers to the act of referring to a transgender or non-binary person by their birth name or former name, rather than their chosen name that aligns with their gender identity. This practice is considered disrespectful and potentially harmful, as it invalidates the person's identity and can cause emotional distress.

E

Ethical Non-Monogamy

Ethical non-monogamy refers to relationship structures where all involved parties consent to having multiple romantic or sexual partners simultaneously. This practice emphasizes honesty, communication, and mutual agreement among all partners. Unlike infidelity or cheating, ethical non-monogamy involves open discussions about boundaries, expectations, and emotional needs.

G

Genital Mutilation

Genital mutilation refers to the practice of intentionally altering or injuring the genitals for non-medical reasons. This term encompasses various procedures that involve partial or total removal of external genitalia or other injury to the genital organs. It's most commonly associated with female genital mutilation (FGM), but can also refer to certain male practices.

H

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is an approach to sexual health and behavior that aims to minimize negative consequences associated with sexual activities, rather than solely promoting abstinence or elimination of certain behaviors. This strategy acknowledges that people will engage in various sexual practices and seeks to provide information, resources, and support to make these activities as safe as possible.

M

Misgendering

Misgendering refers to the act of referring to someone using a gender that does not align with their gender identity. This can include using incorrect pronouns, gendered language, or titles that don't match how the person identifies. Misgendering can be unintentional, but it can also be a form of discrimination or harassment when done deliberately.

N

Nonconsensual Voyeurism

Nonconsensual voyeurism is the act of observing or recording an individual in a private setting without their knowledge or consent, typically for sexual gratification. This behavior violates a person's right to privacy and is considered a form of sexual offense in many jurisdictions. It often involves secretly watching or recording someone who is naked, undressing, or engaged in sexual activities.

P

Predatory Behavior

Predatory behavior refers to actions or patterns of conduct where an individual exploits, manipulates, or takes advantage of another person for sexual purposes without their consent or by overriding their ability to give informed consent. This behavior is characterized by a power imbalance, where the predator uses various tactics to control, coerce, or deceive their target.

R

Relationship Anarchy

Relationship anarchy is a philosophy and practice of forming relationships that rejects traditional societal rules and expectations. It emphasizes personal freedom, open communication, and the idea that each relationship should be negotiated on its own terms without hierarchical structures or predetermined rules. Relationship anarchists believe that love is abundant and that romantic and sexual relationships shouldn't be prioritized over other types of relationships.

Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK)

Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) is a philosophical approach to BDSM and kink practices that emphasizes informed consent and risk awareness. It acknowledges that some BDSM activities inherently carry risks, and promotes open communication about these risks between all involved parties. RACK encourages participants to educate themselves about potential hazards, make informed decisions, and take responsibility for their choices in kink activities.

S

Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC)

Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC) is a guiding principle and ethical framework widely used in BDSM and kink communities. It emphasizes three key aspects of responsible and ethical BDSM practices:

Sex-Positive Feminism

Sex-positive feminism is a movement and philosophy within feminism that embraces and celebrates sexuality as a potentially positive force in one's life. It advocates for sexual freedom, autonomy, and pleasure for all genders, while emphasizing the importance of consent, safety, and personal choice in sexual matters. Sex-positive feminists argue that sexual expression, including various forms of consensual sexual activity, can be a source of empowerment and liberation for women and other marginalized groups.

Sex-positive

Sex-positive is an attitude and approach that views sexuality as a healthy and natural part of human life. It embraces the idea that consensual sexual expression, in all its diverse forms, can be a positive and empowering aspect of the human experience. This perspective promotes open, honest, and non-judgmental discussions about sex, sexual health, and relationships.

Sexual Agency

Sexual agency refers to an individual's capacity to make informed and autonomous decisions about their own sexual activity, preferences, and boundaries. It encompasses the ability to express one's sexuality freely, give or withhold consent, and navigate sexual experiences in a way that aligns with personal values and desires. Sexual agency is a crucial aspect of sexual health and overall well-being.

Sexual Aversion Therapy

Sexual aversion therapy is a controversial psychological treatment that aims to reduce or eliminate unwanted sexual desires, behaviors, or attractions. It typically involves associating the unwanted sexual stimuli with unpleasant or aversive experiences, with the goal of creating a negative association. This therapy has been used historically to attempt to change sexual orientation or reduce paraphilic interests, but it is now widely considered unethical and potentially harmful by most mental health professionals.

Sexual Empowerment

Sexual empowerment refers to the process of individuals gaining control over their sexual lives, choices, and experiences. It involves developing a positive and confident attitude towards one's sexuality, understanding and asserting personal boundaries, and making informed decisions about sexual health and relationships. Sexual empowerment emphasizes the importance of autonomy, self-awareness, and the ability to communicate effectively about sexual needs and desires.

Sexual Trauma

Sexual trauma refers to psychological distress resulting from a sexual experience that was unwanted, abusive, or violent. It can occur from a single incident or prolonged exposure to sexual abuse or assault. Sexual trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.