Pedophilia Is NOT a Sexual Orientation
I came across a Facebook post on September 5, 2020 that I knew would become controversial, and as a Clinical Sexologist, I must respond to the public with my contrary report. The post’s header was: ‘Scholars Say Pedophilia Is Now A Sexual Orientation That Should Be Accepted by Members of Society’. Pedophilia is a paraphilia and paraphilia used to be called a sexual deviation or perversion, so I will strongly refute this theory immediately! I’m wondering who was desperate enough for recognition in this field that they were compelled to defy all established, clinical research with such a ridiculous claim.
The clinical fact is: Pedophilia is listed as one of the paraphilic disorders. There are other paraphilic disorders in DSM-5, such as necrophilia, zoophilia and bestiality. If acted upon, these are criminal acts. However, the etiology of paraphilias is unknown. A paraphilia is thought of as ‘a learned behavior’. This behavior occurs primarily in males between 6-12 years old, yet some clinicians believe it occurs more in the 5-7 year range.
A pedophile is defined as having an interest in children under 13 years of age. Paraphilias are a lifelong condition.
So let’s correct this theory. Pedophilia IS NOT a sexual orientation! A person’s Sexual Orientation (or sexual identity) is in relation to ‘the gender’ they are attracted to which is: heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual, etc. Likewise, an individual’s sexual orientation is not and cannot be based on a paraphilia. I will stress this again. Pedophilia IS NOT a sexual orientation or sexual identity. Sexual identity and paraphilias are two completely different elements of sexuality, not one and the same.
If pedophilia was a sexual orientation, all other paraphilias would also be considered sexual orientations. Let me give examples of this.
To elaborate, there are over 500 types of paraphilias documented, probably hundreds more exist. There are only eight paraphilic disorders which are specifically listed in DSM-5. There is an on-going study and debate about which paraphilias qualify to be listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Paraphilias are considered atypical sexual interests. A pattern of atypical, erotic arousal is usually formed before puberty. I could write an article on that alone. The most common paraphilias, ie., paraphilic disorders are pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual masochism, sexual sadism and transvestism. Often an individual has more than one paraphilic disorder present.
To say pedophilia is a sexual orientation, you would have to say ‘exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual masochism, sexual sadism and transvestism’ were also sexual orientations. This is preposterous because ‘pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual masochism, sexual sadism and transvestism’ are Not sexual orientations and not sexual disorders. To declare pedophilia or any other paraphilic disorder should be accepted by society as a sexual orientation is ludicrous. No legitimate psychiatrist or clinical sexologist would ever give credence to an adult sexually abusing a prepubescent child or any minor child. That is considered non-consensual sex.
Furthermore, individuals of any sexual identity could develop the propensity to acquire the sexual urge for one or more paraphilias. The scholars that dreamed this up are not doing enough research and obviously are not expert authorities in clinical sexology or psychiatry. This fake news or conspiracy theory about pedophilia (pedophiles) will never be accepted by society as normal sexual behavior… because it is not. These uneducated scholars are spreading false information which is clinically dangerous, deceptive, disgusting and distressing to many readers. Pedophiles who act on their paraphilic disorder engage in the sexual abuse of a child under thirteen. This is a sexual crime.
I believe there has been more attention and controversy about this subject lately because of the numerous, news reports about priests over the last few years and more recently, the knowledge of Boy Scout leaders engaging in pedophilia. We must not forget that the religious right keeps putting a negative spotlight on all non-traditional, sexual orientations and activity including the LGBTQ community. Much controversy and reporting has been fueled by their closed mindedness, bigotry and biblical beliefs.
I was surprised to see those who claim to be scholars on a Ted Talk unnecessarily fanning flames on pedophilia. I was taken back they were defying Clinical Sexology and the DSM-5. Their post on Facebook about this false claim unfortunately disturbed many readers. They are completely wrong and unjustified in their thinking and should not have tried to change or dispute sexual, scientific research.
In conclusion, while some can have compassion for and/or an understanding about paraphilic disorders, they must be regarded with proper definition. Pedophilia is classified in the mental health community and in DSM-5 as a sexual disorder, not a sexual identity. No reputable professional will endorse the false claims of these liberal scholars.