Virginity ? that enigmatic concept that many of us tried hard to uphold, but mostly failed at dismally. And why? Well, because sex is what makes us human. And I mean that in the most literal and figurative senses possible.

I'm not saying that abstinence from sex is a bad thing, but rather that the moral concept of virginity is. The word has an oppressive history that has had a negative impact on healthy sexual relationships for decades, if not centuries.

First of all, virginity is associated with moral purity and perfection ? a concept that is so foreign to the state of being human, it's crazy.

Secondly, the concept of virginity belittles women. They have suffered from its moral judgment far more than men. It seems that it is more acceptable for a man to experiment sexually, while more often than not, a woman who is sexually active is considered ?loose? or ?slutty? ? and this is true even in the 21st Century.

Thirdly, it's a concept that allows for way too much bad publicity around sex, which is so much a part of our lives that I can't help but think to myself that the idea of virginity should be outlawed.

And this is where I'll begin to argue that the idea of virginity within the context of the 21st Century, where two consenting adults are concerned, does not have a place.

Let's start with the more obvious reasons why the idea of virginity is no longer a necessary part of our lives:

• Birth control and disease prevention ensure a safer sexual experience.
• Women are no longer considered as the ?property? of their fathers/husbands. Even though your dad might ?give you away? at your wedding, Western culture has for all intents and purposes moved away from the idea that women are objects to trade. We can thank our bra-burning feminist grandmothers for that.
• We are moving towards a society where the choices women make around their sexuality are respected.
• The idea that the only way you are deflowered is through penetration is archaic. How pure are you if you've had sexual relations with someone even if it's without penetration?
• It perpetuates the idea that sex is dirty and wrong. Yet, sexual energy is something that drives all of us and it's a great thing. It's also very important that we explore our sexual like and dislikes (considerately and responsibly of course) as this is what will ensure a healthier and happier relationship.
• And lastly, I could think of nothing worse than having sex with my partner for the first time on my wedding night. What if it were a complete failure and I found him absolutely revolting in bed? Sex is a huge part of a relationship and if you don't know how you'll get on between the sheets, how can you possibly know for sure that you want to be with them for the rest of your life?

Groups concerned with sexual rights have found the concept of virginity problematic for years. In fact, a Swedish group recently renamed the hymen ? those folds of skin at the entrance of the vagina that are supposed to denote virginity ? in an effort to dispel the idea that the hymen somehow means that a woman is more pure. They're now calling it the vaginal corona.