Just watched a documentary on virginity in today's world. It was really interesting to listen to various perspectives held by different people of different cultures. Some place such moral and religious regard on a person's virginity, while others view it as something that they must rid themselves of as soon as possible. To complicate things, there is not one clear definition of virginity that everyone agrees on; some include a woman's hymen in their definition, while others incorporate penile penetration of a woman's vagina in their definition.
From a biological perspective, the hymen is a piece of skin within a woman's introitus that bears no particular purpose nor functional significance. Some cultures even go as far as having women checked for having their hymens intact to prove their virginities. However, hymens are not just perforated during sexual intercourse; they can also be perforated with the use of dildos or with fingering. As well, some hymens may not even be perforated with these methods. Therefore an intact hymen cannot guarantee a woman's virginity! My fondest memory relating to this issue was as a teenager, after my mom had learned that I started to use tampons, she yelled out to me saying, "You're no longer a virgiin!" Haha! Bless her.
Another complicating issue goes to our same-sex brothers and sisters out there. If two men engage in anal sex, are they then considered virgins since no hymens are involved? What about two women having sex; are they considered virgins too since no penile penetration occurs?
It was also intriguing to hear of various couples who discussed how they were saving themselves for marriage. The Catholic faith certainly values this--that is, sex only after marriage! You can call me a bad, sinful Catholic, but I certainly couldn't wait that long!! I remember my first time like it was just yesterday... I have no regrets of that experience, but I just wish that things were done differently.
The documentary also touched on the double standards placed on women when it came to their sexualities. Why are men who sleep around praised and highly regarded by their peers, while women who engage in such acts are seen as sluts and distasteful? I certainly went through a period of having various sexual partners. Call me a slut if you want, but I have no shame in my actions. All I can say is that the pleasure was all mine....
Anyways, I'm all for respecting each person's impressions of and values on sex and virginity. Personally, I think it's beautiful that we have such a diversity in our opinions and beliefs. I also find it very refreshing that we are able to discuss these issues in an open manner than was previously done. We shouldn't feel ashamed of our sexualities, because they're an integral part of human nature.
Sex is such a beautiful and personal experience. All humans should feel free to engage in sex when they feel appropriate to do so, free from the judgment of others... as long as they do so with protection.
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