Several main themes run throughout Evan's short story, "Virgins". However, the one that stands out above all else is the theme of "coming of age", specifically concerning the issue of sexual agency. Evans seems to be asking the reader to question whether the two girls are truly taking control of their sexuality, or if they're simply following the paths dictated to them by society. Erica has a very "matter of fact" attitude towards men and sexuality and repeatedly makes statements such as, "when you were alone, men were always wanting something from you" and "we'd had enough nice guys suddenly look at us the wrong way" (4,5). As can be seen in this example, the community in which our main character lives in is one in which sexual interaction is inevitable and expected of girls at a very young age. On the other hand, as these examples also show, our narrator is not unaware of this and strives to avoid falling "prey" to this lifestyle. However, it should not be thought that Erica sees sex as something she is too young for. In fact, she describes a forced sexual interaction between herself and a lifeguard by stating, "I wasn't scared or anything, just cold and surprised" (5). Even in this moment of forced sexual contact from the lifeguard, Erica doesn't describe the incident as a victim would - with feelings of fear or anxiety, or as a child, but instead as someone who has a high level of understanding and who has experienced an unfortunate event that is a symptom of the state of her environment. This is not because Erica is the type of female who allows herself to be taken advantage of, but because she is a highly aware narrator - meaning that she understands the environment in which she lives and the motives of the people around her.
It is also important that we do not look at Erica as an "a-sexual character", as she does show interest in gaining agency in her own sexuality, which is shown in the girls' trip to the city to, "find some real niggas" (13). The mere act of making up new identities of their own choosing shows a type of attempt to reclaim their sexuality - forcing the men to approach them on their terms. The short story ends with Jasmine going home with a group of older men and Erica separating herself, calling Michael for help and ultimately sleeping with, first, his brother, and then Michael himself. Although this may be seen as Erica simply giving in to the pressures to be used sexually, it can also be seen as Erica reclaiming this moment and losing her virginity on her own terms to the only males that she sees as trustworthy or "safe" in her world.
It is also important that we do not look at Erica as an "a-sexual character", as she does show interest in gaining agency in her own sexuality, which is shown in the girls' trip to the city to, "find some real niggas" (13). The mere act of making up new identities of their own choosing shows a type of attempt to reclaim their sexuality - forcing the men to approach them on their terms. The short story ends with Jasmine going home with a group of older men and Erica separating herself, calling Michael for help and ultimately sleeping with, first, his brother, and then Michael himself. Although this may be seen as Erica simply giving in to the pressures to be used sexually, it can also be seen as Erica reclaiming this moment and losing her virginity on her own terms to the only males that she sees as trustworthy or "safe" in her world.
