has been discussing thoughts about a new workshop. You will see those below. I would appreciate any input you guys might give B4U-ACT. All of our workshops include the participation of minor attracted people.

Thank you for your consideration.

Possible Title:

"How Do We Talk About It?
Developing a Language for Discussing Attraction
to Minors"

Rationale:

ItÂ’s difficult to talk about the feelings of emotional and sexual attraction to minors that some adults experience.

Language is used differently by mental health professionals, the criminal justice system, minor-attracted people, and the public.

In addition, much of it connotes strong negative feelings and criminality, and contributes to stigma and stereotypes, making communication difficult.

As a result, minor-attracted people who wish to receive mental health services rarely if ever voluntarily seek them, and professionals are unsure how to reach out to this population.

“Stigma is a barrier. Fear of stigma, and the resulting discrimination, discourages individuals from getting the help they need.”
—Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

A new language is needed that promotes understanding and communication, and that respects the diversity and humanity of minor-attracted people.

Target Audience:

Social workers

psychologists

psychiatrists,

and other professionals who work with minor-attracted people, as well as students in social work or psychology who may work with this population.

P.S. B4U-Act is a unique collaborative effort between minor-attracted people and mental health professionals to promote communication and understanding between the two groups. Our goal is unique and unprecedented: to make effective and compassionate mental health care available to individuals who self-identify as minor-attracted and who are seeking assistance in dealing with issues in their lives that are challenging to them.

There is always a standing invitation to a member of the administrative staff of GC to attend B4U-ACT workshops. If anyone is interested, please contact me.