... I certainly do not hate my attractions, let alone myself as a person simply for having them. I do not consider them inherently evil or harmful, nor do I believe they would be intrinsically toxic to act upon in a situation of mutual desire and respect if the current laws were not in place. I do not believe younger people are inherently stupid or "vulnerable" simply for being young, with no societal factors considered. I think I would be far less emotionally healthy and successful as a person if I took the self-hatred and self-repressive route to appease society. My feelings are a part of me, and they are not a bad part of me.

I, like most of us in the pro-choice camp, have elected to compromise with society by agreeing to be law-abiding, and I feel there are many good reasons to be law-abiding in this legal and political climate outside of simply avoiding the iron bars. However, I will not go so far as to agree to hate myself and/or my attractions; pretend to hate myself and/or my attractions; to be silent with my opinions about the status quo in a general sense; or to deny my rightful citizenship by refusing to advocate for change within the system and in harmony with democratic principles that I fully support. I do want sympathy and understanding, but never pity. Comprise is one thing, and often necessary; but compromising your principles and self-respect is a whole other species of action.