A woman has spoken out after Lizzo revealed she was a virgin until her early 30s – saying, like the star, she refuses to settle.
Lauren Harkins is 35 but has never been on a date, had a partner, or been intimate with someone.
But while cruel trolls dub her “expired” and a “narcissist’, or even claim she is lying about her lack of sexual experience, Lauren has defended her choice – and it’s one shared by the pop star, who told podcast Friends Keep Secrets that she was a “late bloomer”.
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The now-37-year-old revealed she lost her virginity in 2020 after promising herself she wouldn’t have sex until she won a Grammy, and said she previously “lied” about it, implying she’d had sex.
For Lauren, hearing the revelation this week has been a relief.
“It’s refreshing when someone is honest about something that’s usually kept hidden,” the founder of upcoming unisex streetwear brand UNBXBL, told Need To Know.
“What stood out most to me wasn’t the timeline, but the fact that she made a personal decision and stood by it.
“It doesn’t need to be framed as ‘late’ – people should move when they’re ready.
“Everyone’s on their own timeline.”
And, Lauren insists, adult virginity more common that people assume.
The content creator, who is based in Maine, US and regularly posts about her virginity on social media, said: “There’s still a stigma around it, so many people keep it to themselves.
“But based on the volume of comments and messages I receive, it’s clear there are far more people in that position than most would expect – they’re just not speaking about it publicly.
“There’s definitely social pressure, especially at a younger age, to fit into what’s considered normal.
“But I’ve never felt embarrassed by it or felt the need to misrepresent myself.
“It’s something I’ve been comfortable sharing, and I see being set apart as a strength.”
Lauren isn’t religious and isn’t ‘saving herself’ for marriage – which are common assumptions as to why she has remained a virgin – but has faced much criticism for her choice.
She said: “The criticism usually falls into predictable categories – claims that I’m lying, ‘expired’, attention-seeking, narcissistic, you name it.
“At this stage, it doesn’t touch me.
“Collectively, we still cling to these outdated assumptions around virginity – especially adult virginity – as if it automatically signals something fragile, sheltered, or socially stunted.
“There is nothing I love more than being able to shatter these stereotypes, as someone who is continually told I don’t ‘look’ or ‘act’ like a virgin.”
While she hopes one day to be in a long-term relationship, Lauren has decided against having children, so doesn’t feel any rush.
She added: “I don’t feel the need to force anything; I’d rather wait for the relationship – and the man – that feels genuinely meant for me.”
