Disclaimer: like most pedophiles, I have never approached a child with anything sexual or otherwise inapporpriate, and I don’t plan ever to do so. I recognize the harm in such actions, and I don’t want to hurt the very people I love. If you expect AMA with a child molester, this ain’t it.

The account is a throwaway, hope you’ll understand this decision given the sensitivity of the topic.

Edit: Thank you for keeping civil and genuine in your questions. I did envision hostility, yet here you are, amazing as always. Lemmy is a wonderful place to be, thanks to you all!

Edit 2: Apparently we have another brave pedophile here in the comments, and he came with a good note I should include in the post: if you find yourself attracted to minors, that’s okay. Acting on your desires is dangerous, but having them isn’t. If you’d like to have some support and/or community that would help you get your bearings or just listen without any prejudice (we’re all in the same boat), there are places that can help you. Visit VirPed (18+) or MAP Support Club (13+; scroll down for details), or refer to other resources through the MAP Resources website.

  • @[email protected]OPEnglish
    19•9 months ago

    The two issues are poorly linked, and experience of other pedophiles and generally minor-attracted people is very often strongly negative.

    Unfortunately, a lot of therapists, even LGBTQ+ friendly ones (no strangers to non-traditional attractions, huh?) are completely unequipped to deal with the issue and can make it much worse.

    • @[email protected]English
      10•9 months ago

      That situation sounds extremely challenging. I can just imagine my own frustration if I went to a LGBTQ+ specialist with this only to be told they cant help me, or worse.

      I wish you the best of luck.

      • @[email protected]OPEnglish
        15•9 months ago

        Thank you! It means a lot.

        That being said, I had one free session with a competent specialist once. Unfortunately, I cannot afford their help, but this one session was already very transformative, as it was the first time I was accepted, face to face, by someone who is not attracted to minors themselves. Got me through a lot of emotions then.

        I hope we’ll have more of it, and I strongly believe a more understanding culture would be beneficial for everyone - including children who’ll be more safe.