What it's like to be a celibate pedophile

The plight of the "celibate pedophile" recently gained media visibility when two men formed an online community of support for men and women who struggle with their sexual thoughts about kids. Their anonymous forum [www.virped.org], which launched in 2012, has around 2,000 members who come together behind the veil of the computer screen to talk about their feelings. The founders have the express aim of "reducing the stigma attached to pedophilia by letting people know that a substantial number of pedophiles do not molest children, and to provide peer support and information about available resources to help virtuous pedophiles remain law-abiding, and lead happy, productive lives." But how does a celibate pedophile manage his desire on a day-to-day basis? [...]

I am 62 years old, retired after a successful career. I helped my parents through their sad final years, settled their estates. I've long been involved with my community and my liberal church. I have friends who I see occasionally. I helped raise my three daughters to independent adulthood. I have many hobbies like puzzles, games, reading history or books by writers like Jonathan Franzen. I enjoy foreign films, chick flicks, and comedies like Airplane. I'm very active online. But I'm divorced, and I have no prospect of any romantic relationship ever again.

Why is that?

I'm barely attracted to any women over the age of 40. I'm not a suave alpha male who can attract younger women. And I'm a pedophile, so I'm sexually attracted to children. I think small girls are just the most wonderful people, and in fantasy or some imaginary world, I'd like to be sexual with them. If I'd stayed married, I may never have discovered my true sexuality.

source: Interview 'What It's Like to Be a Celibate Pedophile' by Alexa Tsoulis-Reay; nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/08/what-its-like-to-be-a-celibate-pedophile.html?mid=twitter-share-scienceofus; Science of Us; 18 August 2016