Let's get two things straight: sex is consensual and rape is not sex. 

 Consent is not just the absence of a no, but the presence of a yes. That means that a yes, means yes. But sometimes, it isn't that easy because consent doesn't always come with a clearly articulated yes, it can be given and received in other ways. But what is consent then?                

 According to the Cornell University Law School website, the legal definition of consent is defined as "a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person." 

Let me break this definition down to make consent as clear of a definition as humanly possible.

1. A competent person is a conscious, sober and awake individual who has no language, age, physical or mental barrier with the other individual(s). 

2. This competent individual must be giving consent solely on their own accord and not due to any threat or coercion whether physical, emotional or mental.

3. Consent is needed continually and an individual can always change their mind (even if they said yes already or have consented in the past).

4. Consent applies to relationships, too. A relationship doesn't mean you have an all-access pass. There is no all-access pass to sex.

5. Men don't automatically give consent because they are supposed to "always want sex." Men can also always say no and it doesn't make them any less of a man if they do so.

6. Even if someone identifies as someone other than a man or woman, they still have the ability to say no to sex.

7. Just because an individual likes another individual, does not mean that they automatically want to have sex with them.

8. Just because someone is naked, does not imply consent. People can be naked for lots of reasons (locker rooms, strip poker, foreplay, nude beaches, etc.)

9. Or any lack of clothing. 

10. Accepting a drink is not consent. 

11. Accepting anything is not consent unless it is accepting the specific invitation to have sex with someone.

12. No one owes anyone sex.

13. Date events do not mean automatic consent.

14. Neither does any type of date or gathering.

15. Going home with someone does not mean consent.

16. Consent is not just out of courtesy, consent is mandatory.

17. Since consent can be arbitrary but is absolutely necessary, when in doubt, always ask to make sure what you are doing is okay with the other party, or parties, involved.

                                   Bottom line? Get consent.