JimDre Westbrook

Saginaw native JimDre Westbrook, also known as the Worth the Wait Guy, will appear on the Steve Harvey Show to discuss dating as a virgin.

(Courtesy photo)

SAGINAW, MI -- Upon turning 30, JimDre Westbrook made a surprising announcement.

"I wanted to do something memorable that I could look back on and say, 'That was a great birthday,'" said Westbrook, a Saginaw native. "I told the world I am a 30-year-old virgin."

Now known as the Worth the Wait Guy, Westbrook recently participated in a group date with other declared virgins filmed for an episode of "The Steve Harvey Show," a daytime talk show.

The 31-year-old Arthur Hill High School and University of Michigan alum said the show reached out to him, asking Westbrook to participate in a segment involving virgins and their dating experiences.

"The segment of the show is a virgin dating show where they highlight three female virgins," Westbrook said.

Westbrook is one of three male virgins who participate in a group date with the women.

While the episode is airing Monday, June 8, in many markets, the episode will air in the Flint and Saginaw area 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, on WSMH Fox 66.

Westbrook, who currently lives in Las Vegas, said he got plenty of reaction from longtime friends when he announced his virginity to the world.

"It blew their minds that I'm living that type of lifestyle," he said.

The reason for Westbrook's decision to wait for sex, he said, is linked to his relationship with God, he said.

"My belief in God is why I feel I'm worth the wait," he said.

As a 14-year-old, Westbrook said he told his mother he wanted to wait for marriage before having sex.

While Westbrook is happy to discuss his personal decision about sex, he doesn't try to get everyone to live the same way he does.

"I don't judge people," Westbrook said. "My message to other people is to live at your own pace. If you live at your own pace, life is better."

That concept is the focus of the clothing company Westbrook co-owns with fellow Saginawian Andre Thomas, Live at Your Own Pace Clothing. The company's name serves as a reminder to individuals to choose their own priorities.

"If you focus on really what matters in life to you, what makes you happy, everything else will fall in line," Westbrook said.

Essence magazine recently published an interview with Westbrook that focuses on his stance on virginity.

Those interested in his journey can visit Westbrook's website, worththewaitguy.com, which includes videos, his blog and more. Worth the Wait Guy also has a Facebook page and a Twitter account.

Here's a look at Westbrook's appearance on the Steve Harvey show:

-- Jessica Shepherd is an entertainment reporter with MLive/The Saginaw News. Contact her at 989-996-0687, email her at jessica_shepherd@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter. You can also hear her Fridays at 8 a.m. on 102.5 WIOG's Nate and April in the Morning.