Hi Sam :)
So, I ''lost'' my virginity to my best friend at the time, of the same sex. We'd been flirting and making out for ages and at a sleepover it just...happened. It was a little awkward and neither of us knew what we were doing that much, but we explored together. She mostly took control as she was older and more experienced. It was an incredibly special experience for me, not because I ''lost'' my virginity but because it was wonderful and with someone I cared about deeply.
It's important to note that we were both quite young, and whilst I can't openly advocate sexual exploration, I dont regret my experiences and can't think of a better person (in the circumstances) for my first time to have been with.
As a ladygay, I class any sexual activity as 'doing it', even if some people don't think it is. That's one good bit of advice to young people: you class sex as what you want. You don't have to defend your experiences, and no-one can tell you you haven't had sex if you feel you have.
I think for young people, it's important to not feel pressured and to only have sex with people you want to. They don't have to be The One and I don't believe in waiting for that One person, or for marriage, as you may end up being sexually incompatible because you don't know yourself, and that can cause more issues than one may realise.
But if you're close to somone and you both wanna do it, then go for it, just be safe and sensible.
My main thing is, don't worry about it. I don't believe in virginity, and you don't ''lose'' anything the first time you have sex. It's a social construct designed to shame and humiliate, and is completely rediculous. Do what you want and when you feel ready, sod what other people think or are doing. And so with that in mind, don't make it a big deal to have sex. There's no rush, but it's also not going to ruin your life if you do.
Always be safe and use relevant protection, and always always always gain consent, but otherwise...go forth and have fun.
With first time sex of any kind, just go slow, communicate, and be gentle. Don't put too much pressure on either of you, and explore it together.
TL;DR:
No pressure
Virginity is bollocks
Be safe
COMMUNICATE