SALT LAKE CITY -- In high school Kat Combs was in a relationship where she didn’t know how to say no.
“That does quite a bit of toll on your mental stability,” Combs said.
Combs has a feeling she’s not the only person who grew up in Utah feeling that way.
“We need sexual education. We need to learn that sex isn’t bad, as long as you actually know how to consent,” Combs said.
During an event at Area 51 Tuesday night, Utah TNG taught people what it means to consent. Using interactive activities that include videos, body art and declarations about why it’s important to ask first, Utahns are learned about how to have safe sex.
“A big problem that Salt Lake has is we don’t talk about sex a lot,” said Ron Finch, Utah TNG education director.
Utah TNG teaches people about alternative sexuality and the importance of consent in that lifestyle.
“To know that the focus is on consent, knowing what you’re getting yourself into and being excited about that,” Finch said.
No matter what your sexual preference is, the key is about being empowered by your choice. It’s something that took Combs some time to learn, but has changed her life for the better.
“Now I can hold myself up tall and I can actually have a healthy relationship now,” Combs said.
All the money raised at the event goes toward a local organization called Ask First Utah, which is aimed at promoting consent awareness.
