Under the Covers
Exploring the Secrets of Sexual Ethics and Quality Consent for Thoughtful, Nuanced Interventions
Under the Covers
Exploring the Secrets of Sexual Ethics and Quality Consent for Thoughtful, Nuanced Interventions
Sexual Ethics and the Quality of Consent
The concepts of sexual ethics and the quality of consent provide a normative foundation for carrying out nuanced, rigorous and thoughtful interventions in the context of sexual violence.
Sexual ethics refers to the individual and collective choices that shape an approach to sexuality centred on well-being, mutual pleasure and respect for boundaries.
In the absence of comprehensive sexual education and in the presence of persistent taboos, these reference points often remain implicit. Under the Covers aims to make them more accessible, supporting reflection, dialogue, and the recognition of needs, desires and limits.
The quality of consent builds on this foundation: it enables the expression of a clear, informed and genuinely freely given “yes” or a fully respected “no” while recognizing that uncertainty is legitimate.
Together, these concepts offer a clear vision of healthy and safe sexuality, while supporting the understanding, prevention and repair of situations involving sexual violence.
The concepts of sexual ethics and the quality of consent provide a normative foundation for carrying out nuanced, rigorous and thoughtful interventions in the context of sexual violence.
Sexual ethics refers to the individual and collective choices that shape an approach to sexuality centred on well-being, mutual pleasure and respect for boundaries.
In the absence of comprehensive sexual education and in the presence of persistent taboos, these reference points often remain implicit. Under the Covers aims to make them more accessible, supporting reflection, dialogue, and the recognition of needs, desires and limits.
The quality of consent builds on this foundation: it enables the expression of a clear, informed and genuinely freely given “yes” or a fully respected “no” while recognizing that uncertainty is legitimate.
Together, these concepts offer a clear vision of healthy and safe sexuality, while supporting the understanding, prevention and repair of situations involving sexual violence.
Les concepts d’éthique sexuelle et de consentement de qualité constituent le socle normatif permettant de mener des interventions nuancées, rigoureuses et bienveillantes en matière de violences sexuelles.
L’éthique sexuelle renvoie aux choix individuels et collectifs visant à développer une approche de la sexualité centrée sur le bien-être, le plaisir mutuel et le respect des limites.
En l’absence d’une éducation sexuelle suffisante et en raison des tabous persistants, ces repères demeurent souvent implicites. Les Dessous proposent de rendre ces repères accessibles, afin de soutenir la réflexion, le dialogue et la reconnaissance des besoins, désirs et limites.
Le consentement de qualité s’inscrit dans cette continuité : il permet d’exprimer des « oui » clairs et des « non » respectés, tout en reconnaissant la légitimité des zones d’incertitude.
Ensemble, ces concepts offrent une vision claire d’une sexualité saine et sécurisante et soutiennent la compréhension, la prévention et la réparation des situations de violence sexuelle.
Listen and Explore
(in French)
Expanding how we think about intimacy
Episode 1 – Part 1
Foundational Concepts
What if consent was not only about preventing harm, but also about creating the conditions for mutual well-being and pleasure? This episode lays the groundwork: the quality of consent, sexual ethics and “bad sex.” What happens when we say "yes", but don't feel truly seen?
Episode 1 – Part 2
The Influence of Social Norms
Are our sexual choices truly our own? Between the desire for authenticity and the need to belong, this episode explores how social norms shape consent. When saying “yes” protects the relationship but betrays our inner experience, how can we tell what comes from us… and what comes from external pressure?
Episode 7
Positive Masculinity
Masculine norms promise strength and control—but at what cost? If certain expectations limit men’s ability to express vulnerability and care, how do these expectations shape the quality of their intimate relationships? And what might consent look like within a more flexible framework?
Episode 1 – Part 1
Foundational Concepts
What if consent was not only about preventing harm, but also about creating the conditions for mutual well-being and pleasure? This episode lays the groundwork: the quality of consent, sexual ethics and “bad sex.” What happens when we say "yes", but don't feel truly seen?
Episode 1 – Part 2
The Influence of Social Norms
Are our sexual choices truly our own? Between the desire for authenticity and the need to belong, this episode explores how social norms shape consent. When saying “yes” protects the relationship but betrays our inner experience, how can we tell what comes from us… and what comes from external pressure?
Episode 7
Positive Masculinity
Masculine norms promise strength and control—but at what cost? If certain expectations limit men’s ability to express vulnerability and care, how do these expectations shape the quality of their intimate relationships? And what might consent look like within a more flexible framework?
Episode 12
Courage in Relationships
Taking responsibility in relationships requires courage. Saying what we want, naming what hurts, acknowledging our mistakes—none of this is comfortable. But what becomes of a relationship when each person avoids their part? What if courage created the conditions for mutual respect?
Episode 1 – Part 1
Foundational Concepts
What if consent was not only about preventing harm, but also about creating the conditions for mutual well-being and pleasure? This episode lays the groundwork: the quality of consent, sexual ethics and “bad sex.” What happens when we say "yes", but don't feel truly seen?
Episode 1 – Part 2
The Influence of Social Norms
Are our sexual choices truly our own? Between the desire for authenticity and the need to belong, this episode explores how social norms shape consent. When saying “yes” protects the relationship but betrays our inner experience, how can we tell what comes from us… and what comes from external pressure?
Episode 7
Positive Masculinity
Masculine norms promise strength and control—but at what cost? If certain expectations limit men’s ability to express vulnerability and care, how do these expectations shape the quality of their intimate relationships? And what might consent look like within a more flexible framework?
Episode 12
Courage in Relationships
Taking responsibility in relationships requires courage. Saying what we want, naming what hurts, acknowledging our mistakes—none of this is comfortable. But what becomes of a relationship when each person avoids their part? What if courage created the conditions for mutual respect?