Consensual

Consensual describes an activity, especially a sexual or intimate one, that everyone involved has freely and knowingly agreed to. Meaningful consent is informed, specific, and given without coercion, pressure, manipulation, or impairment that would prevent someone from choosing clearly. It is also ongoing and can be withdrawn at any point, so agreeing once does not lock a person into anything. In LGBTQ+ and kink communities, consent culture has been especially well developed, with an emphasis on open negotiation, clear communication, and check-ins before and during play. The idea reaches beyond sex to any interaction where respecting a person's yes and no matters, and it sits at the center of healthy, ethical relationships.