Can We Talk About Consent?

‘Can We Talk About Consent is the much-needed straightforward introduction to consent that we’ve all been waiting for. This book is engaging, entertaining, and full of great visuals and helpful activities. Justin takes the reader gently by the hand - with consent of course! - and guides them through the tricky terrain of how to navigate sex and relationships consensually, as well as how to consider the impact of such vital aspects as power, ‘ism’s, ‘should stories’, and experiences of non-consensual behaviour. This really is a vital book for young people, and - I would say - for people of all ages.’ – Meg-John Barker * Author of Queer: A Graphic History and A Practical Guide to Sex *“Can We Talk About Consent is a smart, thoughtful, and lovely book that gets into the nitty-gritty of consent. It helps young people understand and negotiate consent, agency, and power – all in a relaxed, chatty style. It doesn’t patronise, but it empowers, with concrete examples and lots of lively illustrations. A much-needed and brilliantly executed book.” – Katherine Angel * Author and academic. ‘Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again’ Verso, March 2021 *‘A fresh, frank guide to relationships, respect and self-esteem.’ – Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *“Beautifully illustrated, full of invaluable information, and written by someone who has real experience in explaining this stuff! This book is essential reading for all young people who want to live a happy and safe life, and gives them amazing insight into a subject that many grown-ups find confusing. It’s SO needed right now. I only wish it was around when I was younger!” – Dr Ranj Singh * NHS Doctor & TV Presenter * ‘As a longtime campaigner for positive and inclusive relationships education, I’m thrilled that this book is here - it is warm, witty, fun and full of colour, and a fantastic resource for the sector. As a parent to boys currently traversing their adventures through adolescence, I’m thrilled to be able to leave this around on the table to be browsed, when the time is right. Everyone should read this book - unless of course they don’t want to, because that’s fine too.’ – Ally Fogg - Writer and JournalistConsent is such an important thing for teenagers to discuss and understand, this could certainly kick-start conversations. Justin Hancock knows what he’s talking about & I love the illustrations by Fuchsia MacAree. – Caroline Fielding * Chartered School Librarian *I would urge every parent to put this in the hands of their teenage child – but not without reading it first. […] I would also recommend it, as essential reading to all those who teach PHSCE to young people of age 12 and up. * Armadillo Magazine *‘A great book for parents or grandparents who need to broach [the] thorny subject [of consent].’ * Mail+ *‘An entertaining, accessible and clear guide to what consent is.’ * Children’s Books Ireland *

Justin Hancock is a UK-based sex educator with over 20 years of experience. He provides training and resources for practitioners in sex and relationships, education and sexual health services.

Fuchsia MacAree is a Dublin-based illustrator. Her practice involves drawing, mural painting and screen printing. Her work has appeared in exhibitions worldwide. Fuchsia’s character-based drawings are playful and colourful.