Consent

Consent is the foundation of the entire libertine lifestyle: a freely given, informed, enthusiastic and reversible agreement to take part. Nothing — a conversation, a touch, a glance — is owed to anyone, and that principle is what lets people from every walk of life take part safely.

Good consent is specific and ongoing. It is asked for rather than assumed, can be withdrawn at any moment without justification, and is never valid under pressure, heavy intoxication or coercion. In clubs and at parties, a "no" is treated as ordinary and unremarkable.

Experienced participants build consent into the pleasure: clear signalling, checking in, and reading enthusiasm rather than mere compliance. Far from cooling the mood, confident consent is what makes bold, adventurous play possible.