In his book, “A Long, Dark Shadow: Minor-Attracted People and Their Pursuit of Dignity,” published by the University of California press, Walker derives “MAPs” as a new term for pedophiles from a group called B4U-ACT. Dedicated to “compassionate assistance” in the form of therapy and advocacy for pedophiles, the group also publishes its own research journal. In the introduction of “A Long, Dark Shadow,” Walker attempts to explain the difference between a “minor-attracted person” and pedophile by swapping words based on the stigma they carry. On the first page of the book, Walker states that “B4U-ACT uses the term MAPs, rather than the term ‘pedophile,’ to decrease stigma against this group.” Walker adopts the same term for the same reason.

The politics of sexual identity permeate the introduction of “A Long Dark Shadow.” There, Walker advocates for the inclusion of MAPs as part of the larger LGBT community by approaching attraction to minors as an orientation, and stating that “the fact of children’s inability to consent to sex is irrelevant to the application of the term ‘sexual orientation’ towards attractions to minors.” Walker tacitly recognizes the threat that pedophiles pose, while also focusing on “coping methods” and “strategies for non-offending” MAPs.

Redefinition carries consequences, and the left boasts a long history of redefining words to shatter traditional beliefs.