health
March 10, 2026
I am a Muslim and lost my virginity in secret at 21: "His mom found out, then accused me"
Salma El-Vardani is a writer, poet, and BBC presenter. Of half-Egyptian, half-Irish descent, she has dedicated much of her career to stories about women and their experiences. It is for this very reason that she decided to speak publicly about a topic that remains silent in many communities - sex, especially when it comes to young Muslim women.
TL;DR
- Salma El-Vardani, a writer and broadcaster, has written an essay about her experience losing her virginity as a young Muslim woman.
- She highlights the cultural taboo and silence surrounding discussions of sex within many Muslim communities.
- El-Vardani recounts her first sexual experience at 21, describing it as a deeply personal but secret event due to religious and community expectations.
- She emphasizes the lack of open dialogue about female sexuality, pleasure, and bodies, making peer conversations often the only source of information.
- The author advocates for breaking the silence and encourages open conversations about sex to support young women navigating this aspect of their lives.
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