Desire asks what we want. Consent asks what we are choosing. These are not the same question.
Desire asks:
What do I want?
Consent asks:
What am I choosing?
These are not the same question.
We can want something and decide not to pursue it. We can experience desire toward another person without their participation becoming ours to claim.
Healthy sexuality, relationship and agency depend on preserving this distinction.
Desire is information.
Consent is permission.