It’s 2024, and it’s not a stretch to say that the dating pool is questionable. It seems like no one is having fun. In the era of sex-positivity and the ability to freely date and hook up with whoever we choose, a wave of zillenials is rewriting the rules of intimacy. Countless young individuals have chosen to turn away from sex, either largely or altogether. Movements such as 4B, boy sober and elected celibacy are gaining traction among singles amid the dating rust-out. Recently, American musician Lenny Kravitz, a well-known sex symbol, pricked our ears when he was quoted in reports saying that he has been celibate for some time. And he is not the only celebrity who has opened up about abstaining from sex. So, is sex-free living going to be a thing?

Of course, people can do whatever they like, and the decision not to have sex can be a little surprising. Without a doubt, celibacy is having a moment.

What Is Celibacy?

Celibacy is a voluntary vow to abstain from sex. However, not everyone defines it the same way. Some may abstain from all kinds of sexual contact, including kissing and holding hands. Others only refrain from sexual intercourse. You might associate celibacy with religion, but faith is not the only reason why people decide not to have sex. For the latest trend, it is more of a lifestyle choice.

Boy Sober

The ‘boy sober’ movement, a term popularised by American comedian Hope Woodard, has earned traction. Being boy sober is an intentional dating cleanse. It’s abstaining from all aspects of dating. To be boy sober is to give up romantic and sexual relationships with men to benefit your own well-being. With a similar ethos, ‘girl sober’ is also on the trend, with people deleting dating apps, taking a break from it, investing time in themselves and going celibate.

4B movement

With South Korea’s feminist-led 4B movement, women are reclaiming their autonomy by refusing heterosexual marriage, childbirth, dating and sex. In 2019, the movement became well-known through social media accounts. The goal is to challenge the patriarchal state of South Korea and its pro-natalist policies, which see women’s bodies and reproductive abilities as instruments for the state’s future.

Elected celibacy

Elected celibacy is a big part of the opt-out movement. Gen-Zs and millennials are experiencing a distinctly different kind of sexual revolution from the previous generations; it’s one where the approach to sex is more pragmatic and personal. Julia Fox recently touched on the same topic and revealed that she had chosen to abstain from sex, “We’re just happy alone! 2.5 years of celibacy and never been better tbh.” Back in 2010, Lady Gaga claimed that periods of celibacy allowed her to be “strong and independent.” Orlando Bloom has also disclosed that he stayed away from sex for a while until he met Katy Perry. In a recent episode of 'The Kardashians,' Khloe Kardashian opened up to her co-stars and family members about her rationale for being voluntarily and happily celibate for over two years.

Bumble’s campaign

A recent marketing campaign by Bumble backfired after the dating app targeted women with slogans, “A vow of celibacy is not the answer,” and “Thou shalt not give up on saying and become a nun.” The anger came as no surprise. The campaign, which appeared to be trying to ‘make casual sex great again’ did not sit well with the internet.

Celibacy can look different for each person, and there is no single way to practise it. Be it personal or political, celibacy persistently returns to the public conversation. While modern society owes a lot to the sexual liberation movement, the choice to be consciously abstinent is not only a mark of independence but also feels like an act of resistance, even defiance.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2024 03:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).