Am I READY?

“Readiness” is self-defined, but we have some questions to help you determine that for yourself. We suggest you start by asking yourself if you are ready to be sexual, and following up with more about the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of this question. Our consent model is the READY model, which works with gauging readiness and consent. READY is a Revocable, Engaged, Aware, Detailed Yes. Consent is mandatory. Always.

• What are my personal values?
• Who am I wanting to be sexual with?
• Who am I doing this for?
• Who do I ask for help if something goes wrong?
• What risks are there?
• What do I want to do?
• What do I not want to do?
• What does my partner(s) want to do?
• What kind of sex are we each wanting?
• What do we know about those activities?
• What types of barriers do we have?
• What type of birth control is being used?
• When do I want to do this?
• Where do I want these activities to happen?
• Where can I go for sexual health care?
• Why am I thinking about this?
• Do I feel I have to be ready by a certain age?
• How do I define sex?
• How do I give consent?
• How do I get consent?
• How do I prepare my body?
• Do I feel safe?
• Do I feel pressured?
• Do I feel like I owe sexual behavior?
• Do I feel safe to say no?
• Am I allowing safety for my partner(s) to say no?
• Do we have the proper barrier for this?
• Have I considered the risks?
• Am I okay with taking about those risks?
• Have I had quality education around sex and sexual health?

Only you can decide your readiness. Be sure to know the age of consent laws in your state. Be sure to get consent. Consent is mandatory, always. Remember that you do not owe anyone your sexuality, ever.