MAP Forum

A serious issue we have, in terms of getting our voices heard, is that MAP groups are never asked for comment on news articles.

We've seen 'long format' interviews or stories with people convicted of child sex offenses, or with MAPs who chose to dramatically out themselves, but when articles are written about MAP-related issues, how often do we see things like "Brian Ribbon from Mu stated that...."?

Instead, even in articles from supposedly high quality publications, we see quotes from a variety of 'charities' arguing from exactly the same position, but nothing from an opposing or even moderate position.

On articles about MAP issues, the media should also be seeking comment from us, not just those on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Obviously the world doesn't operate logically or fairly, the media is not biased, and MAPs are treated like violent rapists simply for being attracted to children or teens, so it's hardly surprising that we are not asked for comment.

What can we do to get ourselves quoted?

We need to try to build relationships with journalists and editors. That was my goal when I sent the Huw Edwards article to various outlets.

The one outlet that did reply expressed that they weren't interested in following up on that story, but in my reply email to them I said

If there is ever another story about minor-attracted people, such as the Police Scotland or Allyn Walker stories, and you find yourself wanting to hear from someone that uses that term to describe their own identity I'd love it if you'd feel comfortable reaching out to us. In such a case you wouldn't be going out of your way to platform us, merely listening to the opinion of an affected group when describing them.

I think as we talk to journalists we need to offer "the actual voice of the affected community" and say that "we're aware that you may not want to be seen as platforming our views, so we may not be presented in a positive light".

I think in terms of "breaking in" we could start with writing very non-edgy pieces and getting them published as Letters to the Editor or Opinions. Sign off under "Name - MAP Union" and build a relationship with that paper or editor. For progressive papers issues like trans kids, sex ed or free range parenting would be issues where we could get published without the paper feeling they're committing social suicide. Once that rapport is built it might be easy to have our opinion on more controversial issues asked for.

Yeah, that's a reason for creating orgs. Because "Jim Burton" becomes "their source", and they are scared of being asked who this guy is and how they have verified him. With an organization, things are slightly different.

Also speaks to our need for a publicly identified person, possibly an ally to speak on our behalf.

NARSOL can get quoted because most of their media contacts are grandmotherly family members of people forced to register, or lawyers, rather than the registrants themselves. MAPs and sex offence registrants themselves are likely to continue mostly getting the long format investigative interviews where our "problem" and the self-reflective journalist asks themselves "is the current system working properly?"