The Myth of “Gray Rape”
by Teresia Smith
Recently, the term “gray rape” has surfaced in conversations about sex and consent. Some use this term to describe situations where one or both parties feel that something was wrong about a sexual encounter, but they hesitate to call it rape. However, this is not only harmful and misleading; it undermines a core principle that consent must be clear, mutual, and enthusiastic.
Media has coined the phrase “gray rape” to refer to sexual encounters that consent may not have been verbally denied, but it was not freely or enthusiastically given. Often, this happens when someone is pressured into sex, acting out of fear or obligation, or they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not capable of consent. As an advocate, I believe there is not a gray area at all. Any sexual activity without clear, mutual, enthusiastic consent is a violation.