Taken from the collection Positive Memories, compiled by T. Rivas.
Letter addressed to the NAMBLA Bulletin
Dear Sirs,
I am a 24-year-old white male who really wishes to join your organization. I firmly believe in all you stand for. I myself was shunned by society’s rules and a small community’s norms of acceptable behaviors. I was 13 and met a really nice 45-year-old man who really made me feel special. He liked me for what I was, not something that I could become. Sure, sex was a part of our relationship, but that wasn’t the only thing. We enjoyed each others' company, sharing our thoughts and ideas on different topics, and setting our goals.
Well, needless to say, my parents found out and prohibited me from seeing him anymore. They also made me file a criminal complaint on him. He went to trial and was sentenced to 5 - 10 years on a variety of charges in which I had no say.
I told the judge that I consented to our relationship and what went along with it. He said that I was too young to make a “mature” decision. That kind of bureaucracy is driving our young people into their shells. I’m sick and tired of all this narrow-minded thinking, and would like to change it.
Thank you for the application for membership. I will be sending it along shortly. Please respond to my letter and give me some advice on how to, or how I should voice my opinion.
Sincerely,
Bill