In a candid interview with Playboy, Cara Delevingne discusses how getting sober in 2022 reshaped her understanding of intimacy, self-worth, and sexuality. She shares her journey from seeking validation through sex to embracing a deeper emotional connection with herself and her partner.
Cara Delevingne has spoken frankly about how sobriety reshaped her relationship with intimacy. The model and actress, who stopped drinking in 2022, made the revelation in Playboy's summer 2026 cover story.
The 33-year-old appeared in the magazine's latest issue, photographed by Zoey Grossman, marking a moment she describes as a reclamation of her sexuality on her own terms. In the interview, Delevingne offered a raw look at what intimacy feels like without substances to blur the edges. She explained that the experience of intimacy changes dramatically when sober, becoming much deeper and more emotional.
She admitted that she previously conflated physical intimacy with self-worth, putting a higher value on sex and validation from others. She used to label herself as a pervert or a horny person, but she now understands she was actually seeking love and validation through sex. This shift required a fundamental rethinking of how she connects with her own body.
She emphasized that sex is a language, and one's own sexuality, including what turns them on, is like a beautiful dance with oneself. Many people spend too much time focusing on how they are perceived by others rather than cultivating their own sexual relationship with themselves, which involves loving oneself and turning oneself on. This self-discovery has profoundly changed how she experiences closeness with others.
Delevingne has been dating musician Minke since 2022, a relationship she credits with offering stability and deep emotional connection. She described Minke as a normie, meaning she is not sober but occasionally has a drink. They are very different people, and Delevingne noted she cannot date someone like herself because she brings a lot of baggage. She called Minke the most incredible person she knows, emphasizing that they are best friends, lovers, and everything in between.
She has never had a relationship where she felt so close to someone and so truly seen. The Playboy shoot itself represents a full-circle moment. Delevingne, who identifies as a lesbian and is believed to be the first openly gay woman to appear on the magazine's print cover, said the experience felt like stepping into her prime. She has never felt more comfortable in her body and in her sexuality.
This interview marks a significant public reflection on her journey toward self-acceptance and authentic connection, moving away from reliance on alcohol and external validation to embrace her true self. In broader context, Delevingne's story resonates with many who have undergone similar transformations in their relationship with substances and intimacy. Her openness about the challenges and rewards of sobriety offers a nuanced perspective on personal growth and healing.
By reclaiming her sexuality on her own terms, she challenges societal norms that often tie value to external approval and appearance. Her relationship with Minke exemplifies a partnership built on mutual respect and deep emotional bond, rather than dependency or superficial attraction. The Playboy cover not only celebrates her physical beauty but also her mental and emotional evolution, demonstrating that true confidence comes from within.
As an openly gay woman in the spotlight, she continues to pave the way for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media, showing that authenticity can be both powerful and beautiful. This interview serves as a testament to the power of self-love and the importance of defining one's own narrative, free from societal pressures and past insecurities.
Through her journey, Delevingne inspires others to explore their own relationship with intimacy and self-worth, encouraging a healthier and more fulfilling approach to life and love
Cara Delevingne Sobriety Intimacy Playboy LGBTQ+
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