I May Destroy You has returned, this time with a digital zine to spread awareness around sexual consent

As one of the most stirring programmes of the year – and for the very right reasons – I May Destroy You has ignited much-needed conversations around sexual consent. For those who may not have had the chance to watch the show just yet, the British comedy-drama is more than just a depiction of sexual consent. Instead, the series follows protagonist Arabella, played by BAFTA- award winner Michaela Coel, as she rebuilds her life post-trauma – a provocative display of the ways in which consent can shape a person’s life.

Following the show’s success, The BBC, Gal-dem and The Face have joined forces to launch a digital zine, titled The Ins and Outs of Consent. Very much a welcomed follow-up to the era-defining programme, the online edition offers an array of narratives from sex educators and advocates who discuss the ways in which consent may be present in modern life, all the while demonstrating and explaining how to ask for and give consent; it’s the kind that’s not usually available in traditional education or within the public realm.

Chris Hooper, head of marketing at BBC One says in a statement: “We have been so thrilled to see I May Destroy You become one of the most talked about TV shows of the year. One of the ways BBC One helps bring UK audiences together is through important discussions such as these, and we have felt a responsibility to help people reflect on, unpack and discuss the challenging issues that the series explores. We hope this digital experience becomes an invaluable companion to the show.”

With an aim to broaden and drive awareness around the topic of sexual consent, the launch – created with the support of Jump, Havas Media Group’s content and partnerships hub – has coincided with Sexual Health Awareness Week for greater affect. Through a multi-media, educational approach, the zine incorporates an A-Z glossary of the definition of consent. It also sees a mix of video clips, gifs and still images from the programme, and it also hosts an interactive digital exhibition created by BBC Creative.

“We really hope the interactive gallery inspires people to start and continue these conversations about sex and consent,” Lisa Turner-Wray and Yemi Oyefuwa, creatives at BBC Creative, comment in the announcement. “It’s been a beautiful, yet difficult experience creating this gallery – seeing women and men around the world speak out on very similar issues. If this gallery educates and informs even just one person – then we’ve achieved our goal. The time to talk is now.”

The Ins and Outs of Consent is available to view online at The Face, the hosts of the zine, while you can view the interactive gallery here. I May Destroy You is also available to watch on BBC iPlayer for a further year.