Abstinence is no secret for three Canadian women who've decided to share their sexual choices with the world in a controversial new television show.
Three women from British Columbia has gone public with their decision to abstain from sex until marriage on the documentary-style reality program "Virgin Diaries."
The show chronicles a group of later-in-life virgins -- in their 20s, 30s and 40s -- as they try to navigate the adult dating scene while remaining abstinent.
"It hasn't been the easiest thing for us," concedes Tamara Larson, who grew up in Ontario but currently lives in B.C.
Larson, 30, is a self-proclaimed "reclaimed" virgin. After being sexually active in past relationships, she told CTV's Canada AM that her views towards sex have changed.
"I have come to realize just how powerful sex is and it's this amazing gift," she said. "I want to have all things in place with an amazing friendship and relationship."
Even before its debut on Sunday, TLC's "Virgin Diaries" garnered a maelstrom of criticism from critics who've taken issue with how the show portrays virginity.
For Larson, one of the most difficult parts about sharing her story on the small screen is opening herself up to criticism from strangers.
"We're coming from a place where we really want to share our stories," said Larson. "We're not coming from a place where we want to be right or wrong."
Danielle Michaud, Larson's friend and "Virgin Diaries" co-star, said she isn't surprised by the public's divided response to the show.
"This kind of topic is the kind of thing that really polarizes people," she said. "(The show) brings out people's real hurts and issues in their own lives."
Once relegated to diaries and close circles of friends, virginity is starting to be brought up more frequently in the mainstream media.
Actor Steven Carrell of The Office fame put a comedic spin on the issue in "The 40 Year Old Virgin." Canadian-born actress Elisha Cuthbert strikes up a relationship with a young college-aged virgin in "The Girl Next Door."
On the darker side, director Larry Clark shook audiences with his 1995 drama "Kids" which follows a teen boy as he tries to woo young virgins.
Michaud and Larson said they decided to share their own stories to debunk stereotypes and give a voice to other adult virgins.
Their friend and co-star Lisa Marziali adds that her faith has played a large role in her choice to remain abstinent and to appear on "Virgin Diaries."
Marziali, Michaud and Larson caught the attention of TLC's producers with their blog "Confessions of a 29 Year Old Virgin" where the trio first started sharing their stories with their friend Amy Schmidt, a 30-year-old virgin.
You can read more about the girls at "Confessions of a 29 year old Virgin"
