HOMOSEXUAL ENCOUNTERS WITH PEERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Because caresses sometimes are exchanged with children of both sexes, this behavior could be labeled as bisexual. Actually, during late childhood and early adolescence, sexual play with members of the same sex is probably more common than with members of the opposite sex. Homosexual play in childhood includes handling of the genitals of a person of the same sex. In a smaller number of cases it also involves oral or anal contact and occasionally urethral or vaginal insertions. Sometimes homosexual activity takes the form of “show it” such as a group of boys urinating together outdoors. The activity is mildly competitive and perhaps low in erotic intent or satisfaction.
Both heterosexual and homosexual encounters occur in early childhood. The demarcation between what is erotic behavior and what is not is not segregated in the mind of the child as it is in the mind of an adult observer. This could be why children often feel that adults overreact to childhood sex play.
In homosexual encounters, a young child, usually a boy, is frequently propositioned by an older boy. A boy aged seven may suggest sexual activity in which his partner (a boy aged four) is unwilling to cooperate. This can result in the older boy exhibiting himself to his own obvious satisfaction and at least interest by the younger boy.
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