The North American Man-Boy Love Association defines a "pedosexual" as an adult with a love of children. For heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals, pedosexuality is sexuality, not a fetish. Not to be confused with pedophiles, who have intimate relationships with non-consenting or unaware partners, pedosexuals engage in “freely chosen mutually consenting relationships” (nambla.org). Through the securitization of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is proven to be a pedosexual. Holden engages in inappropriate behavior, according to social norms, involving children. He is also very wary of adult affection, because he knows what dangers can come from it. Such intense feelings towards children would be considered extremely unforgivable in any era, let alone the 1940s. Anyone who has sexual feelings beyond the status quo would be very ashamed of themselves and throughout the novel Holden shows guilt and shame about his sexuality. What is considered 'normal' interaction and behavior with children is so widely debated, but even with an air of doubt, when Holden's interactions with children are listed in full, one begins to wonder. While walking along a busy street, Holden's temptations get the better of him when he approaches a young boy who is lagging behind his parents. Holden gets close enough to hear the boy sing. He then follows the boy into this vicinity for a block or two. She says “the guy was great… he had a nice little voice… he made me feel good” (Salinger, 115). He shows some obvious feelings and real emotions for the first time in the book. Another example where Holden shows an unquestionable affection for children is while he is at the park, looking for his sister. His feelings increase and his actions……middle of paper……interact with adults appropriately. The incident with Mr. Antolini shows how uncomfortable Holden is around adults and how he truly feels remorse for his pedosexual ways, even if on a subconscious level. Holden Caulfield has a complete lack of understanding of appropriate behavior towards children. He also exudes guilt and a desire to run away and start all over again, and has very little "parental" understanding or affection. These and other pedosexual behaviors can be found in abundance in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. Holden shows a desire for intergenerational intimacy, not necessarily rape. It is clearly shown that Holden is part of that growing minority of people, like NAMBLA, who simply love children, as a homosexual loves a man. Works Cited Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001. Print.