‘Jane the Virgin’ is a CW series that I have recently binged on via Netflix. A telenovela within a telenovela is already a win for me. The interesting characters, humor, and Latin culture mixed in with it make it even better.

If you look at Jane’s character, she is a rarity in our culture; a twenty-something virgin. How often does that character description show up in a script, let alone an entire series based on her conception of a baby, despite being a virgin! In film and television it is often depicted that being a virgin after a certain point should be something to be embarrassed about. This idea is represented for both the male and female sexes. ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ depicts a man who has not yet had sex. Don’t get me wrong, I love the waxing scene, but this whole movie is based upon a man trying to lose his virginity, he’s too old apparently.

But ‘Jane the Virgin’ depicts a young woman who stands her ground on this matter. What’s more, she’s been dating a man for two years who is respectful of her life decision. So not only is this series depicting a woman who is choosing to keep from having sex until she’s married, it’s also depicting that she can have a normal life. She can date and have a committed relationship with a man. This man is not pushing her into anything, nor is he shaming her for this decision.

This is not to say that it’s wrong to have had sex before marriage. Everyone makes their own decisions on this matter for their own reasons. Those who choose to abstain themselves, though, have become a marginalized group in the media. Which is interesting because I’m willing to argue that many more people abstain from intercourse than the entertainment industry reflects. ‘Jane’ has given the public a positive character that isn’t embarrassed about her decision. Time and again she is put in a difficult situation where she forces herself to walk away from a sexually heated moment. I like the fact that there is a writer out there who has created a realistic character who has the courage to say ‘no’. (Although it should be noted that in a safe and comfortable situation, everyone has the right to say yes or no).

Jane is also a young Latina woman graduating from college. What is this?! Oh yeah, she’s completely breaking racial stereotypes. She’s independent, working full time and entering the professional work field. Also, FYI Jane is a completely realistic representation of minority groups. I have first hand experience with Latina women who are pushing to break the glass ceiling and counter racial stereotypes that are working against them.

We should recognize that these are difficult actions to take. There are successful Latino men and women in our society, of course: Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, politicians, and social activists. However, these characters, as well as her family members represent what it is like to be a Latina woman in American society. They maintain their culture and have been able to succeed in American society despite the cultural barriers that these fictional characters MUST have experienced.

Jane is a representation that as a population we need to see, from four perspectives: feminism, politics, social, and positive sexuality. We should embrace this character and all she signifies in our society. ¡Si se puede!