A SELF-CONFESSED paedophile in the US has begged for society’s acceptance and understanding when it comes to helping him, and others like him, battle their urges.

In a highly-controversial opinion piece for salon.com, Tennessee native Todd Nickerson claims that he has never acted on his urges and never will.

“I’ve been stuck with the most unfortunate of sexual orientations, a preference for a group of people who are legally, morally and psychologically unable to reciprocate my feelings and desires,” he writes.

It’s a curse of the first order, a completely unworkable sexuality, and it’s mine.

Nickerson, who was born without a right hand and was sexually molested as a seven-year-old, claims in the piece (titled ‘I’m a paedophile, not a monster’) that his sexuality has ruined any chance he has of having a normal life.

He clarifies that a paedophile is not someone who molests children, but rather someone who is sexually attracted to juveniles, regardless of his or her actions.

Nickerson claims he was targeted by a group heavily involved in the production of the show To Catch a Predator, known as Perverted Justice, who profiled him on their online exposure page despite the fact he had never offended.

He claims that since that incident his life has improved marginally. However he still lives below the poverty line, working as a graphic designer in a conservative southern state.

Finding a group known as Virtuous Paedophiles (Virped), consisting of similarly-minded anti-contacters (ie those who specifically ignore their urges), is what Nickerson credits with turning his life around.

“I really can’t praise this organization enough.  It’s been a lifesaver for me.  I still get depressed and anxious sometimes, but I’m improving.  I feel better about myself and a little more hopeful about my future these days,” he writes.

For those who are lucky enough to be able to form working relationships with adults, there are a new set of concerns: What if we have children?  Will I be a threat to them?  Can I ever share this fact with my spouse?  Can I ever love and want her as much as I do a child?

So, please, be understanding and supportive.  Treat us like people with a massive handicap we must overcome, not as a monster.  If we are going to make it in the world without offending, we need your help.

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