Cheri is an American adult entertainment magazine that has been published since 1982. It covers topics such as pornography, nudity, sex work, fetishism, and kink. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for being progressive in its coverage of these subjects. In addition to showcasing new talent and celebrating classic stars, the magazine often publishes interviews and essays about industry trends and issues. One such issue was released in October 2006, focusing on consent and communication in relationships and sexual encounters. The editorial staff believed that this was a timely topic, ahead of broader cultural conversations around sex and gender. Cheri wanted to make sure their readers knew how to have safe and enjoyable experiences while exploring all aspects of their sexualities. The magazine had previously addressed consent in articles on BDSM, but this was their most extensive piece on the subject. It was written by Cheri's senior editor, Amber Jones, who had interviewed dozens of people from various backgrounds and professions before writing her article.
In the introductory paragraph, Amber explained why she chose the topic and what led her to write the article. She wrote, "As a feminist, I believe that all people deserve respect and freedom when it comes to their bodies and sexualities." She noted that not everyone agrees with this viewpoint, but she felt strongly that sharing information was more important than imposing values or judgments on others. To start off her article, she listed some common misconceptions about consent: "Many people assume that consent is something you ask for before every sexual encounter, but that's not always necessary or even possible. Consent can be given verbally, physically, or nonverbally – through body language and eye contact."
Next, Amber outlined five principles of communication: listen actively, share honestly, set boundaries, respect each other's wishes, and check in periodically. She quoted several sources on these topics, including psychologist Dr. Wendy Maltz and writer Kate Bornstein. She also shared personal stories from her own life, as well as anecdotes from other people she had interviewed. For example, she described how one of her friends told her, "Sometimes we're too afraid to say no because we don't want to hurt someone else's feelings. But if you're comfortable enough to say yes, then you should be comfortable enough to say no."
Amber concluded by discussing how communication affects sex positivity. "We need to talk openly and freely about our wants, needs, and limits," she wrote. "This way, we can build relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and pleasure." She suggested ways for readers to practice good communication skills, such as using clear words ("yes" instead of "maybe") and asking questions ("What do you enjoy?"). Finally, she emphasized the importance of self-care: taking time for rest and reflection after a sexual experience, and knowing when it's time to move on from a partner who doesn't respect your desires.
Cheri received positive feedback on this article, with many readers praising its clear explanation of consent and communication. Some critics argued that Cheri was promoting an overly liberal view of sex, but others saw the piece as necessary education for a diverse readership. In any case, Amber's editorial continues to influence conversations around sex and relationships today – especially in the context of MeToo and related movements.