*Before I begin this article, I would like to clearly and definitively state that I, no way, shape, or form, condone the inclusion of so-called "minor-attracted persons" into the LGBTQ+ community, and I also do not condone in any way, shape, or form the normalization or acceptance of pedophilia in American culture, mainstream or otherwise.

A very close friend of mine recently disclosed to me the fact that he was a pedophile.

At first, I was taken aback by this revelation. I had known this person for years, and they had always been a wonderful, kind, and positive force in my life, so to say that this information was shocking might be an understatement. However, it also changed my perspective on pedophiles themselves, and how we treat them.

Most people never even get close to the familiarity and insight that I now have regarding the internal thoughts and feelings of pedophiles. It's hard to imagine anyone desiring to get so close anyway. All of the pedophiles that you see on the news - creepy men trying to lure children into their vans, or patiently waiting on a park bench, or just your run of the mill clergyman molesting an altar boy - these are all examples of child molesters.

They are not a proper representation of all pedophiles.

Child molesters molest children. Non-offending pedophiles do not. Think of the squares versus rectangles rule: all child molesters are pedophiles, but not all pedophiles are child molesters. Child molesters are the people that actually molest children, while pedophiles just feel these attractions. As immoral as it is, it's not illegal, just like it's not illegal to think about robbing a bank, a thought crime.

The truth is that many, if not most pedophiles just want to lead normal, fulfilling, purposeful, upright lives like you and I do.

There is also this perception out there that every pedophile is a monstrous demon, and that the world would be a better place if they were thrown into the fires of Mount Doom. This is a very popular stance, and many pedophiles would agree. If it were up to them, they wouldn't be sexually attracted to children, and they would be able to lead a normal life. They are aware of how immoral these feelings are, and wish that they didn't have them.

Many even seek out psychological help, turning to medications that decrease their libido, hoping to keep these feelings to a minimum. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible for these people to get the treatment they desire due to the nature of their affliction. Because of this, even though there are several online support networks built by pedophiles, for pedophiles, many suffer through these unwanted desires in silence and loneliness.

Child molestation is a crime, and a very severe crime at that, as it should be, but pedophilia is not a crime.

I am of the opinion that it is a mental illness, an abnormality in brain function. Just like other mental illnesses, through therapy and medication, pedophiles can learn to live normal lives. These are not monsters. Besides, you don't get to call someone a monster, and then ostracize them from society when that person decides that they don't want to not be a monster. All they are is people who are suffering from feelings they don't want but are unable to get the help they so desperately need to take them away.

I don't really know how to end this ramble, but I'll leave you with this: Yes, my friend may be a pedophile, but I judge people by their actions. He is one of the nicest, kindest people that I have ever met, and has never laid a finger on anyone, and he never intends to. I still believe that deep down, he is a good person, and I am willing to help him deal with the trials and tribulations that come with these circumstances because he is not a monster.

He is a friend who wants help dealing with feelings that he didn't ask for, and who wants to live a normal, healthy life.