Genevieve, I'm SO glad you jumped into the conversation. This is one of those topics that I'm always coming back to in my mind, on one level or another, and it seems to be one that many people are pondering. I think we need to keep putting our heads together, discussing the issue and doing some problem-solving in this "new world with the same old problems." 

Your perspective, particularly as an ex-Catholic is really interesting and important. (Is that how you describe yourself? Ex-Catholic? I know that particular label has all kinds of baggage.) This is SO important, and you put it so well: "When girls are virgins, they are taught to hold their heads high–when they fall, or show themselves to be imperfect, they inevitably then feel shame....Is it really better for our daughters to be virgins with egos or non-virgins with complexes than to feel that sex can have a place outside marriage?"

I think you've inspired a follow up post! Well, you actually wrote a really great follow up post, disguised as a comment, which has inspired me to take up the topic again. Stay tuned...and thank you.