Yes, do it

Short report from a scientific article about John, who had a relationship with a young man at age 13.

Taken from the collection Positive Memories, compiled by T. Rivas.

Source: Bruce Rind - “The Problem with Consensus Morality”, Archives of Sexual Behavior, Vol. 31, No. 6, December 2002.


John, a 22-year-old Australian, first realized his sexual arousal to girls at age eight. By nine, he felt lonely and was bullied by older boys, when he met a male neighbor in his late teens. They quickly became friends, and John spent a lot of time at his house. The young man eventually initiated masturbatory sex with him.

John was at first apprehensive that others would find out, but became comfortable with the sex once he felt safe from this concern. The relationship lasted three years. He was proud to be seen with the older male, saw him as his protector, and saw the intimacy they had as the highlight of his life.

Asked if the relationship was consenting, he said yes, because he wanted it, the young man wanted it, he loved the young man, so consent meant, “Yes, do it.”