Maurissa Gunn is speaking out against sex-shaming after her intimate Bachelor in Paradise date with Riley Christian. The 25-year-old reality star was first introduced to Bachelor Nation when she competed for Peter Weber's heart. Unfortunately, fans didn't learn too much about the former pageant queen, as Peter eliminated her from his group of women in week one. That said, Maurissa still gained popularity online and kept it real with her new followers about the importance of maintaining a positive body image. Her uplifting message comes from her previous insecurities during her time as Miss Teen Montana.

Now, the patient care coordinator is getting a second chance at love on the sandy beaches of Mexico. Though Maurissa connected with Connor Brennan early on, Riley Christian and his biceps arrived in Paradise and completely turned her head. The newly formed duo's chemistry only got hotter when they went on their first date, which looked a bit like an episode of Fear Factor. Guest host Lance Bass moderated the date in which Maurissa and Riley had to either answer a juicy question or take a bite out of things like live bugs or strange animal body parts. Despite the daring meal, Maurissa still took the time to get deep, explaining how people used to treat her different when she was 80 pounds heavier. Topped off with a make-out session Lance had to awkwardly watch from across the table, the couple made their way back to the beach and into the notorious Boom Boom Room.

Related: Bachelor in Paradise: Lance Bass Wants to Permanently Host ABC Franchise

Since Maurissa and Riley's steamy first date alluded that the couple got intimate, the reality star took to social media to defend herself from critics who were sex-shaming her after the episode aired. "I don't need to explain what I said, because I said it with conviction," Maurissa wrote alongside a video of herself answering sex questions. "However, there are other women that may not be as nonchalant or as indifferent as I am, to handle the kind of criticism that I've been receiving, and it's not okay." The reality star continued to explain that it's okay for women to enjoy sex, and there should no longer be a "double standard" for gender behaviors on the first date.

Maurissa Gunn Riley Christian Date Bachelor In Paradise

Maurissa added she was shocked when she realized the majority of the trolls were actually women. "It's already hard enough being a woman in today's society, so we as women should do everything to life each other up rather than bring each other down," she said. The ABC star concluded her message by thanking those who showed her love and support. She said she hopes that her followers receive her point with "love and kindness." Shortly after the post was public, many contestants of Bachelor Nation praised her in the comments section.

Sex shaming is never the answer. Bachelor In Paradise contestants brave the risk of putting their good, bad and ugly moments in front of the cameras for viewers' entertainment, but what many forget is these are their real lives, real stories, and real relationships. Rather than judging them for their decisions, viewers should applaud Maurissa's bravery and her willingness to become vulnerable, rather than tear her down for doing something many women do when they're in the privacy of their own homes.

Next: Bachelor: Peter Weber Reveals He 'Self-Sabotaged' His Relationships

Bachelor In Paradise airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 PM ET on ABC.

Source: Maurissa Gunn