It built his personality

Brief case study from a study by Bruce Rind.

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.


James, a 23-year-old Canadian, first felt sexually aroused by other males at age six and had his first sex at eight with a peer.

At eleven, he befriended a neighbor man, to whom he gave many signals, hoping for sex to occur. Eventually, it did, which made him feel proud and closer to the man.

Over the next three years, he visited the man regularly, often secretly to avoid the possibility of his parents ending the relationship.

He saw the relationship as very positive and said it built his personality (e.g., greater self-confidence) and influenced many of his tastes (e.g., an appreciation for literature).