Channel 4’s Virgin Island has triggered intense debate with its provocative premise, and even more controversial execution.
The six-part series follows 12 adults aged 22 to 30 who are all virgins. Their goal? To lose their virginity, or at least achieve a meaningful level of sexual intimacy, while on camera, during a two-week sex therapy retreat on an idyllic Croatian island.
The show features a group of adult virgins on a journey to lose their virginity (Credit: Channel 4)
Are they really having sex on Virgin Island?
The short answer is: potentially, and in some cases, yes.
Among the show’s cast of intimacy experts, therapists and tantric coaches, two individuals stand out: Andre Lazarus and Kat Slade, the series’ designated sex surrogates.
These surrogates, unlike their hands-off counterparts, are not only allowed but qualified to engage in physical and sexual contact with participants, including intercourse, if it becomes a therapeutic step in the process.
Sex surrogacy is about using touch, including sexual touch, to help people heal from trauma, overcome anxiety and learn to experience intimacy. This therapy can help people navigate their first sexual experiences with guidance, understanding and care.
While most of the show’s experts draw the line at “very heavy petting”, the surrogates’ involvement crosses into deeper physical territory.
The virgins work with sex surrogates in an attempt to become more comfortable with sex (Credit: Channel 4)
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
