Online Dating Sites Cater to Virgins

Online dating is nothing new, but the $1.8 billion industry is growing—and diversifying—by leaps and bounds.

There are dating sites for cheaters, dating sites for millionaires, and dating sites for Christians. The are dating sites for specific ethnic groups, dating sites for divorcees, and dating sites for age groups.

Now, there are even dating sites exclusively for virgins and abstinent singles.

and are catering to singles on the dating scene that are looking for someone of the opposite sex that holds the same values. While targets virgins looking for other virgins to date, focuses on singles who decide not to have sex before tying the knot.

“Single virgins view our site as a safe place to meet other like-minded singles,” says Lety Colin, who founded with her husband, Jose. “That’s because we use a reliable screening process. We figure if someone is not honest about themselves, they may not be honest regarding their status as a virgin.”

The Colins are also behind . The duo knows how important—and how difficult—it is to meet other abstinent singles. At , Jose says, there is no social stigma attached to being abstinent. Instead, it’s a big plus.

also welcomes individuals who identify themselves as “born-again virgins.” These are Christians who may have had sex at some point in life but have decided to abstain from further sex until they reach a serious commitment with another abstinent person.

Lety says all profiles are screened, and the basic information provided by potential members is independently verified. The Colins were virgins when they married and say the decision to wait has strengthened their bond as husband and wife.

” is more than just an online meeting place,” says Lety. “We offer our members articles, advice and a forum where they can take comfort in the fact that there are many others out there with the same values.”