From personal observation, there are VERY few people who believe it to be a valid sexuality, and most of those people are pedophiles themselves. The amount of people who follow this ideology is often inflated by the media to paint the LGBT community in a bad light.
But to answer your question, I believe that in cases like this, thoughts ought to be separated from actions. If a person discovers that they are a pedophile, then they absolutely must take the initiative to seek professional help, so that they are kept in check and minimize any possible threat to children. Pedophilia seems to be a very complex disorder, and while some are born, others may unfortunately develop those urges from severe child abuse. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to improve themselves and take preventative measure so that they don't pose a threat to others. If a pedophile grows complacent with their illness and gives into their urges in any way, then I absolutely believe they should be given the death penalty. I completely agree with this little tidbit of yours:
We need to believe child victims and give them hope for a better future by eliminating any potential re-traumatization from their lives. There are explanations for why these people exist, but there are zero excuses.
The way I see it is this, and this is just how I understand it and why I think they're a threat that we can't compromise with.
We become desensitized in steps.
Step 1 : it's okay to have thoughts as long as you get help and don't take actions.
Step 2 : it's okay that you can't control your actions
Step 3 : it's natural and there's no studies on it.
Step 4 : they have rights and the right to be happy.
Step 5 : if you don't tolerate them you'll lose your job and be ostracized from society.
^ and this is a scary reality. The only way to avoid the eventual outcome of "zero tolerance for intolerance" is with "zero tolerance for tolerance".
And I hope anyone who reads this and thinks I'm a piece of crap understands that I'm in no way supporting the persecution of any human being unless it is completely necessary.
But I would be lying if I didn't say I believe it is completely necessary.
But the post is just to see the general consensus of other people.