United StatesThe letter to Slate's 'How to Do It' column discusses the author's complex relationship with sex and intimacy, shaped by his upbringing in a conservative religious sect he describes as a cult. He recounts growing up in a strict, patriarchal environment where violence and shame were prevalent, leading to personal trauma including multiple miscarriages, a divorce, and a struggle with his sexuality. Despite finding happiness and stability in his current life, he expresses deep anxiety around sexual relationships with men, stemming from fear rooted in his past. He explains that he relies on hired partners who are non-threatening and allow him control over the pace and nature of encounters, which contrasts sharply with the unpredictability of dating apps. While content with this arrangement, he feels a profound sadness about missing out on deeper emotional connections and mutual love relationships.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the author's experience through a lens that emphasizes systemic oppression and institutional harm, particularly focusing on the role of conservative religious groups and patriarchal structures. The narrative highlights the psychological and emotional toll of such environments, and
