The key question that public and experts are debating to understand the nature of attraction to children.

We get why people ask this, but It actually doesn't matter whether it's a sexual orientation or a disorder.

Both terms are more subjective than people think. When used legally, both confer different protections, but ones that pedophiles never get.

Otherwise, the difference is symbolic in an empty culture war debate.

Some great articles on more meaningful topics are linked below. Thanks!

About the author: I have been writing and talking about the experience of being a pedophile since 2017. Once on twitter until my account was banned in 2020, I co-led Virtuous Pedophiles from 2021 to 2025. I now continue to look for ways to improve the lives of pedophiles, but never at the expense of harming children. I have never viewed illegal material, and never sought or engaged in sexual activity with any child. The rest of my life is countryside walking, friends, Radio 3 and feeling doleful about ageing.

the p word is a collection of 321 articles, blogs, podcasts and threads in the voices of pedophiles and others who oppose adult child sexual contact and sexual exploitation of children. Despite our mainstream views, this content is frequently removed from social media or blog sites because openly discussing pedophile attractions or avowing them are not tolerated. Our side of the conversation continues here.

editor at the p word net | Except where stated, all images are AI and do not depict real people. | Download the whole site.

a strange and terrible unicorn

comfortably numb

we have to protect children, even the ones you hate

emma artless

The musings of a non-offending, female pedophile

ender

a journey through realization, despair, lethargy, awakening and acceptance

bly

A group of adolescents, many thousands strong, are struggling with self-hatred and fear, and most people don't think that's a problem.

The musings of a non-offending, female pedophile

a journey through realization, despair, lethargy, awakening and acceptance

A group of adolescents, many thousands strong, are struggling with self-hatred and fear, and most people don't think that's a problem.