Poet redefines virginity as a myth of control

Poet Hollie McNish, a widely recognized voice reaching millions through books and social media, is challenging the profound societal impact of the word 'virgin.' At 43, she describes the concept as a man-made myth, created to control and shame individuals, particularly women, echoing historical practices that also endorsed slavery and stoning.

McNish's latest collection, 'Virgin,' explores the loaded meanings surrounding virginity and love. She experienced the power of this word at age five, noting its association with Mary's special status while Joseph's was unmentioned. She aims to help young people feel empowered to enjoy consensual sex without shame, stating her own first sexual experience was positive and lost only a sandal, not her identity.

Having studied at the University of Cambridge, McNish faced snobbery due to her working-class accent, a familiar experience in the poetry world where her direct style is sometimes called 'basic.' She emphasizes that personal experiences hold meaning based on individual choice, not on imposed, centuries-old ideas. Her core message is that virginity is an invented concept designed to exert power and shame, and its significance is for individuals to define.