Teenage celebrities often proclaim their virginity, in an attempt to boost their image and whip up media interest.  Teenage boys actually fear leaving high school and proceeding to university, without losing their virginity because their macho image would take a beating.  Teenage girls think of virginity as a part of their anatomy that signifies their purity and makes them worthy of their future husbands. 

Advocates for Youth wishes to move beyond these traditional concepts of Virginity and define it in a context that will make teenagers realize that Virginity is more, much more.

Virginity is…
1…Having a sense of responsibility.  It makes a teenager realize that sex isn’t just a fun thing. It has implications and consequences that are not just physical, but mental, emotional and psychological.

2…Making a rational, intelligent choice that creates a winner, not a victim. 

3…A sense of self-esteem that makes teenagers withstand peer pressure, question media messages, form their own values and be their own person.

4…A state that can be reclaimed regardless of what has happened in the past, if one develops a sense of responsibility, makes rational and intelligent choices, and inculcates self-esteem.

5…Non-judgmental – it is not about occupying the moral high ground and deeming others’ behavior right or wrong. 

6…The ability to hold the interest of the opposite sex by building bonds of friendship through trust, intelligent conversation, an exchange of ideas and plenty of humor, rather than just sex, sex and more sex.

7…Saying “I’m not different”, I’m just worth the wait.

8…Believing there’s no need to rush growing up.  There’s a lifetime ahead and packing up the second decade of one’s life with all the experiences, could take the gilt off the gingerbread.

9...Building one’s self-confidence. It is the basis for any serious and healthy relationship.

10..A personal choice capable of accepting that people are entitled to act, feel and think differently….and still be worthy of respect.