Proud or not?

[stefanos_katsios]

I am proud. Verty much so!

Stefanos

[Outis]

I would say I'm inwardly proud.

I'm generally quite optimistic about life and so when I look at my sexuality I tend to focus more on the positives. Being a map I believe enriches my character, it makes me more empathetic in general, more open towards children and adults, more willing to listen and take time for others. You don't have to be a map to have these qualities but I think my experiences as a map have encourages those traits in me.

[Joanne7315]

I consider myself unashamed and proud but at the same time I'm not "out" to anyone in person. I don't think it's because I'm secretly ashamed or not proud but just worried at everyone's reaction. I don't have any in person friends or family who seem like theyd be remotely accepting of maps.

Ive never felt "ashamed" of being a map though on a personal level. I know Im not a predator or anything. I discovered I was a "map" when I was quite young, a very young minor myself.

Feeling proud of being a map definitely came later though as i spoke to other maps online. We're a diverse bunch and all quite normal. A lot of maps and aams I've met are kind people with similar tastes in hobbies as myself. I'm proud of us and I'm proud of being a map. I like kids, and that's just one part of my personality and not one that I feel should be demeaned or anything

Nicely said

[Joanne7315]

I am saying this partly for my own benefit as much as anything, but there is absolutely nothing wrong or illegal in being a MAP. It is only social stigma that vilifies us. I yearn to be open without fear.

[stefanos_katsios]

Oh, come on now. Do you guys really belive, that we are doing wrong?
It is just the right thing to do, nature want us to be that way.

Greetings from Cologne
Stefanos

[Joanne7315]

When I am calm and relaxed and feeling safe, no I don't believe we are wrong for being attracted to kids. But sometimes when you see and read of the violence and hatred directed at us, it is difficult not to question and see see yourself in a bad light. Which is why these groups are so good.

[Addicted2boys]

When I am calm and relaxed and feeling safe, no I don't believe we are wrong for being attracted to kids. But sometimes when you see and read of the violence and hatred directed at us, it is difficult not to question and see see yourself in a bad light. Which is why these groups are so good.

This nicely sums up my thoughts . Thank you.

[Joanne7315]

By the way Stefanos, I completely agree that nature made us this way - I did not learn to be a MAP, it is a natural instinct. Whether nature wants us this way is a slightly different matter and as a nepiophile I would find it a bit harder to justify a 'natural' case. Don't get me wrong, I am quite happy and proud as a nepi and wearingthat label, and I extend into the pedo range as well, but lots including other MAPs do not see nepiophiles as a natural tendancy.

[Fragment]

lots including other MAPs do not see nepiophiles as a natural tendancy.

Yeah, I'll admit that I find it much harder to grapple with a sexual attraction to infants compared to my own hebephilic interest in early-teens (who typically have adult-like sexual desires).

I think it's especially hard since I'm pro-c. Many of the arguments I use in favor of my own attraction being "normal" just don't really seem to apply to a sexual attraction to babies.

But I still want to be inclusive and respect that nepiophiles did not choose their attraction any more than any one else.

I want to support nepis to the point that they can feel "proud" and not just "tolerated".

[Joanne7315]

Thank you and I appreciate it's difficult. I errr more towards toddlers than infants but not exclusively. Yes I sit in the pro-c camp but again not exclusively. More than happy to discuss Nepi attraction if anyone wants to explore the subject, but I do understand it sits less 'naturally' than other MAP attractions.