Q Let’s say, theoretically, I’m a pedophile.
You know, theoretically. If I were a pedophile. —Knows It’s Wrong
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
My heart is going out to you, too, KIW. As I’ve written before, we should acknowledge the existence of good pedophiles, people like you, KIW, who are burdened with a sexual interest in children but who possess the moral sense to resist acting on that interest. It’s a lifelong struggle, and most manage to succeed without any emotional support—to say nothing of credit—whatsoever.
The psychotherapies that are available, says Cantor, “were designed to assist people who have already committed an offense, to prevent a ‘relapse.’ These therapies have less to provide to people who already have the skills and drive to keep themselves from ‘acting out.’” Your best option, according to Cantor, may be the one you’re clearly not too enthused about (and who can blame you?): “Castration, both chemical and physical,” says Cantor, “can indeed be used to eliminate or take the edge off one’s sex drive.”
So no babysitting for you, KIW—to protect the kids, first and foremost, but yourself as well. If it ever comes out that you are a pedophile and you were in the habit of babysitting without touching, your friends are unlikely to buy your protestations that you’ve never touched a child.
Speaking of whipped saviors: Mike Gerle, International Mr. Leather in 2007—and, yeah, his last name is pronounced “girly,” what of it?—has had it with the goody-two-shoeing of the gay BDSM scene. Leather bars are hosting more fund-raisers than dark-and-cruisy beer blasts, and the guys entering leather-title contests today seem more interested in raising money for charity than they are in BDSM sex.
Care to comment? Find this column at chicagoreader.com. Send questions to mail@savagelove.net. Download the Savage Lovecast every Tuesday at the stranger.com/savage.
