The word "virgin" itself is not gendered. It simply signifies that a person has not engaged in sexual intercourse. The term applies equally to both men and women. However, related terms like "maiden," traditionally used to describe a young, unmarried woman who is a virgin, are gender-specific and lack a direct male equivalent.
Several sources support this understanding:
- Planned Parenthood: States that a virgin is "someone who's never had sex," highlighting the lack of inherent gender specification. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/sex/virginity
- Direct Statement: The statement, "The word “virgin” is not gendered," directly addresses the question.
While the term "virgin" is not inherently gendered, its usage and the societal connotations surrounding virginity can be influenced by gender norms and expectations.
It's important to note that the references provided, while touching upon Virgin Atlantic's gender-inclusive policies https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/media/press-releases/virgin-atlantic-updates-gender-identity-policy.html and its diverse workforce https://careers.virginatlantic.com/diversity-equity-and-inclusion, do not directly address the gendered nature of the word "virgin" itself. These references primarily relate to Virgin Atlantic's commitment to gender inclusivity in its workplace policies.
