#rshe

Consent! What is it and what does it look like? There are many aspects to giving consent, it's not just about saying "yes", so why not use the acronym 'FRIES' to remind yourself of all the things to consider when giving or asking for consent.

F - Consent is Freely given: you should never pressure, coerce or force someone into saying yes to something, this is not consent. You must respect when someone says no. You should feel confident and happy when you consent to any activity with your partner(s).

R - Consent is reversible: it is okay to consent to something and then change your mind, if you're not comfortable, say so and ask to stop. If your partner changes their mind on something you should respect their choice, and if they are willing, have a conversation about their decision.

I - Consent is informed: you should know what exactly you are consenting to and your partner(s) should too. It's good to discuss specifics beforehand and what you're both comfortable with.

E - Consent is enthusiastic: when someone is giving consent consider their tone and body language. Do they sound happy, upbeat and are they being proactive? Or do they sound hesitant, reluctant or closed-off?

S - Consent is specific: when someone says yes to one activity, it does not mean they consent to other activities. If someone has consented to something in the past, it does not mean that they have consented to doing that activity again in the future, you need renewed consent.

A little illustration I made last year for Dee's campaign #transkidsdeservetogrowup, which is dedicated to supporting and trans youth and sharing trans stories and news.

You can follow the campaign on Instagram here!

https://www.instagram.com/transkidsdeservetogrowup/

You should also check out the creator, Dee's account @s3xtheorywithdee on Instagram for more RSHE content and trans focused learning!!

All you need to know about your cervical screening or 'smear test' appointment. If you're like me and have recently turned 25, you may have received a letter saying it's time for your first cervical screening! But what is it for? Who needs it and what actually happens during the exam?

💗 This exam is for anyone with a cervix, this includes trans, non-binary, intersex and other GNC folks! Please note that if you are GNC and your medical records have changed, please double check with your GP that your medical records state you are applicable for this exam as sometimes you can be missed and you wont get notified for your next screening, you will need to arrange it yourself.

💗 Hopefully this little guide will answer some questions and give you some tips for how you can best prepare to make this exam less daunting. If you have any further questions about your cervical screening, please speak to your GP or sexual health clinic! 😊

While Transgender Awareness Month may be coming to a close, these historic icons live on! April Ashley is another shining example of trans resilience and beauty! Despite her rocky up-bringing and being outed in the press as a trans woman, Ashley continued to thrive amongst high society as a model and socialite.

I love reading about trans and gnc people who lived their lives fully and as themselves, I hope sharing their stories gives hope to the trans youth of today that you belong, you deserve a full and happy life, you deserve the world 💖 Trans kids deserve to grow up.

Binders are a great! Here's a quick intro into what they are, the many styles and options and some links on where to get one!✨

There are no rules on who can wear a binder, it's shapewear, if it helps you achieve your desired shape, then go for it! No one owes you an explanation as to why they choose to wear a binder; it's their body, their clothes, their choice.

If you are looking into getting a binder for yourself, it's important you do plenty of research into what style, size and materials are right for you. Check out resources from Point of Pride, Spectrum Outfitters, Amor Binders and Mermaids for safety and measurement guides. Or if you want video resources on binders, check out YouTube channels for PinkNews, Jammidodger, Ashton Daniel and As/Is.

It's important to note as well, that binders wont work for everyone, but there are other options for a flatter chest, like wearing baggier clothes and layering, working out your upper torso and arms, using trans tape or top surgery.

A dedicated binder safety guide post will be coming soon so stay tuned!...

Also, if you have any other recommendations for brands or resources, please share in the comments 😁

Calling all trans men and people taking injectable testosterone for hormone replacement therapy! Could you be allergic to the testosterone formula you are taking? There is a small percentage of people who are are allergic to some of the carrier oils used in this injectable formula, and the symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild to severe so please familiarise yourselves with them and let your GP or doctor know all of the symptoms and side effect you are experiencing!

If you are allergic, do not worry! You can be prescribed a different brand of testosterone with a different carrier oil! So no worries of stopping your HRT journey.

As your body goes through a number of changes from HRT, some side effects and changes might seem normal but could actually be a sign of an allergic reaction or another underlying health condition like a blood clot, so please speak to your doctor ASAP if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and look after yourself 💗

*please note I am not a medical professional, for more information and guidance, please speak to your GP or a healthcare professional.

Finishing off this month with the super cool Stormé DeLarverie! A drag performer, bouncer, singer, show-jumper and Stonewall veteran, she did it all!!

A pioneer and protector, DeLarverie was at the forefront of the gay rights movement, pushing gender roles and dress, she was an icon in butch culture!

If you have any other suggestions for queer historic figures I'd love to hear them as I may delve into a few more posts like this throughout the year! Thank you for your support and happy LGBTQ+ History Month!

Next in the series for this month, Anne Lister! Often referred to as the first British modern lesbian, her encrypted diaries revealed her many lesbian relationships as well as a rich, contemporary account of life in early 19th century Yorkshire!

Now a corner stone in Britain's queer history, you can visit her family home which she restored and renovated with her wife Anne, Shibden Hall, and the church in which they married - whilst illegal at the time now celebrates their union with a rainbow plaque!