DC court ruling affects ex-'gays'

Pete Chagnon - OneNewsNow -

A landmark court decision in Washington, DC, could have far-reaching ramifications for those who have left the homosexual lifestyle. Regina Griggs, executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays, tells OneNewsNow that former homosexuals now have protection under sexual orientation non-discrimination laws. According to the ruling [PDF], handed down by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, ex-"gays" are now a protected class that must be recognized under the DC Human Rights Act.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Legal/Default.aspx?id=659000

Court Rules That ‘Sexual Orientation’ Laws Include Former Homosexuals

Washington, D.C. – In a precedent setting case, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia has ruled that former homosexuals are a protected class that must be recognized under sexual orientation non-discrimination laws. The Court held that, under the D.C. Human Rights Act, sexual orientation does not require immutable characteristics.

“We are gratified that the ex-gay community in Washington D.C. now has the same civil rights that gays enjoy,” said Regina Griggs, executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX), which had filed the lawsuit against the District of Columbia government for failing to protect former homosexuals in the Nation’s Capital.

http://pfox.org/Court-Rules-Sexual-Orientation-Laws-Include-Former-Homosexuals.html

Info on homosexual health risks squelched

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow -
A pro-family activist group is calling for a federal study of the health risks of homosexual conduct. Americans for Truth about Homosexuality president Peter LaBarbera tells OneNewsNow it only makes sense because the government will investigate the dangers of such habits as smoking and work to curb it. He cites information released by the Food and Drug Administration.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=621982

Catholic mom's son fostered by homosexual couple against her wishes

A Catholic mother in Britain who is unable to care for her son has objected to him being placed in the foster care of a homosexual couple. She has expressed concern the couple could encourage him into a way of life she does not agree with, amid reports the boy is already asking about homosexuality.
The ten-year-old child was scheduled to arrive Monday at his permanent new foster home, a hotel in Brighton run by two homosexual men, the Daily Mail reports. Social workers at Brighton and Hove Council, who have full custody of the child, decided on his long-term placement last month. His mother reportedly suffered a mental breakdown after an abusive marriage and cannot care for her son.The mother has told friends she is concerned about the environment in which her son will be placed. She has said she wants him fostered by a traditional family in line with Catholic belief.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16254

Obama more than tolerant of homosexual lifestyle

Allie Martin - OneNewsNow
...Earlier this week, the White House released a proclamation recognizing June as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month." The proclamation was signed by President Obama and mentioned the record number of homosexuals he has nominated and chosen for positions in his administration. It also called for equal justice under the law for homosexuals and transgendered Americans. (See earlier story)
Dr. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, says the proclamation advocates more than mere tolerance. "The United States federal government, now by executive order, signed by the President of the United States, is declaring national pride in these lifestyles," he contends. "This is not mere toleration; it's not calling for legalization, an end to criminal sanctions. It's not calling even for something like civil unions...it's calling for pride."

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=553368

Obama declares June 'LGBT Pride Month'

Jody Brown and Allie Martin - OneNewsNow

In a presidential proclamation on the White House website, Barack Obama has lauded what he calls "the determination and dedication" of the LGBT movement by proclaiming June as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month."

"The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress," Obama states in the official proclamation, "but there is more to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect."

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=551240

APA revises 'gay gene' theory

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow -

The attempt to prove that homosexuality is determined biologically has been dealt a knockout punch. An American Psychological Association publication includes an admission that there's no homosexual "gene" -- meaning it's not likely that homosexuals are born that way.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=528376

U.S. funds HIV transmission study in Argentina

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow -

The federal government is spending $400,000 to conduct a study in Argentina bars on drinking as it relates to homosexual intimacy. The study actually began during the Bush administration and has been carried over into the Obama administration. CNSNews.com reports the study will conclude in August 2010. Its primary purpose is to deduce the connection among alcohol consumption, bars frequented by homosexuals, and subsequent sexual behavior so that HIV-prevention campaigns will know which bars to target.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=520722

School website promotes homosexual agenda

Pete Chagnon - OneNewsNow -

A California school district is coming under fire for a homosexual website being funded with taxpayer dollars. The San Francisco Unified School district has launched a "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning" (LGBTQ) website for students in order to create a "safe space for all students" and promote activities both in the classroom and outside. Carrying the inviting web address "HealthierSF.org," the website includes links promoting Gay Pride Celebration Month, Day of Silence, and Gay/Straight Alliance clubs.

Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute, says the school district is excluding parents on this issue.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=514310

'Hate crimes' legislation = ex-'gay' hate

Allie Martin - OneNewsNow

A Christian activist who runs a ministry that supports families of former homosexuals is troubled about proposed "hate crimes" legislation now before Congress. Regina Griggs is executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, or PFOX. The organization lobbies for the ex-homosexual community and educates the public on sexual orientation.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=498310

ACLU demands LGBT website access for TN students

Pete Chagnon and Jody Brown - OneNewsNow

The ACLU is threatening the Knox County, Tennessee, school system with a lawsuit if it does not meet their web demands. The American Civil Liberties Union is demanding that the school system unblock "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" websites by April 29, 2009, or face a lawsuit. The ACLU claims the filtering software employed by Knox County -- which is provided by Education Networks of America -- blocks students from viewing nonsexual websites that host content they consider protected free speech.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=498342

Day of Silence evokes opposition, death threats

Pete Chagnon - OneNewsNow

Not all schools remained silent on Friday during the "Day of Silence" protest -- and certainly neither did homosexual activists who left death threats in the voice mailbox of a pro-family group in California.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=493916

Notre Dame Announces Homosexual-Themed Events for Easter Week

This is why students need to come to the Ruth Institute Summer Conference!

Cardinal Newman Society (www.cardinalnewmansociety.org/)
The announced agenda for the week indicates no effort to teach students about Catholic teaching on homosexual activity as gravely sinful.

StaND Against Hate Week to occur April 14 through 17 is co-sponsored by Notre Dame’s Gender Relations Center, student government and University Counseling Center.

MANASSAS, VA (Cardinal Newman Society) - “Christianity is under attack from within our own Catholic universities,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. “The bad news continues, perhaps appropriately on the day when we recall Christ’s terrible agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. We need Catholics worldwide to draw the line, here and now, by joining more than 255,000 witnesses for the Faith at NotreDameScandal.com.”

http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=33147

TCU nixes plans for 'gay' student housing

Associated Press

Texas Christian University won't provide on-campus housing for homosexual students this fall as previously planned. But in a statement, TCU's chancellor says the Fort Worth school "will maintain its long-standing commitment to the inclusiveness of all people."

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=493664

Homosexual minority carries weight in Alamo City

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow

Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference heads to San Antonio Saturday, but organizers hit a snag in promoting it. The conferences are designed to help homosexual men and women who want to leave the lifestyle. Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger tells OneNewsNow that conference organizers tried to buy an ad in the San Antonio News-Express. "And the ad was rejected as being 'offensive,' even though all the ad really does is recount the personal story of a man on our team who used to struggle with same-sex attractions and found freedom from that through events like Love Won Out," he notes.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=490970

Extramarital sex wrong?

Extramarital sex wrong? Gays and supporters of same sex marriage less likely to think so

One of the arguments against same sex marriage is that it will fundamentally weaken the institution by opening it up to groups who do not take the vows as seriously as they should, thus cheapening the whole enterprise and leading more people to forgo it entirely. Stanley Kurtz is probably the most widely known advocate of this view. Of specific interest to this post is the following excerpt:

Many thoughtful gay activists see same-sex marriage as a chance to redefine marriage itself — stripping marriage of what they see as its outdated and constricting connection to monogamy. And of course, even more powerfully than openly non-monogamous gay marriages, legalized group marriage would destroy the taboo against adultery.

http://anepigone.blogspot.com/2009/04/extramarital-sex-wrong-gays-and.html

Obama appoints open homosexual to faith-based office

Jim Brown and Jody Brown - OneNewsNow

The head of a conservative activist group says President Obama's appointment of a leading homosexual activist to his faith-based council is an ominous sign that he may enforce a "pro-homosexuality orthodoxy" on religious groups receiving federal funds, which is itself a form of bigotry.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=479808

"Day of Silence" for Gay Awareness in Schools April 17

from AFA (American Family Association)

If your child's school allows "Day of Silence" propaganda, keep your child at home April 17.

The Day of Silence, which is sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), fast approaches. This year it will take place in most public schools on April 17. On this day, thousands of public high schools and increasing numbers of middle schools will allow students to remain silent throughout an entire day-even during instructional time-to promote GLSEN's socio-political goals and its controversial, unproven, and destructive theories on the nature and morality of homosexuality.

Parents must actively oppose this hijacking of the classroom for political purposes. Please join the national effort to restore to public education a proper understanding of the role of government-subsidized schools. You can help de-politicize the learning environment by calling your child out of school if your child's school allows students to remain silent during instructional time on the Day of Silence.

http://www.illinoisfamily.org/doswalkout/

Shades of Gay: The heterogeneity of homosexuality.

William Saletan

Guy walks into a shrink's office. Says he's gay and wants to be straight. Shrink says, "OK, I'll help."Don't wait for the punch line. There isn't one, because this isn't a joke. It's a true story. And it's a common one, according to a British study just published in BMC Psychiatry. Researchers contacted more than 1,800 mental health professionals to find out whether they would ever try to change a client's sexual orientation. Of the 1,328 practitioners who responded, one in six admitted to having helped at least one patient attempt to alter homosexual feelings. The total number of such cases reported by the respondents was 413. That's nearly one case for every three therapists.

http://www.slate.com/id/2215123/

School board 'misled' by GLSEN

Allie Martin - OneNewsNow

A family advocacy group in Pennsylvania is blasting members of a school board for allowing the formation of a pro-homosexual club at a high school.

Continue...

Fabulously Observant: If not ex-gay, then what?

by David Benkof

For years, I have been a critic of the 'ex-gay' movement, particularly its Jewish manifestation. Many advocates of 'reorientation therapy' appear to exaggerate ex-gay transformation rates, and so far the non-gay leaders of the Jewish ex-gay movement have been utterly unable to produce success stories who are willing to be interviewed. Alarmingly, Jewish ex-gay organizers sometimes lead Jewish strugglers perilously close to Christian ideas at odds with Judaism.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1233304753469&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Clarification of Statement on Homosexuality

"Desire Cannot Be the Foundation for the Law"

MEXICO CITY, JAN. 15, 2009 (Zenit.org)
Here is a translation of a press statement released today by Monsignor Carlos Simón Vazquez, subsecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Various interpretations have been made regarding the reference Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, made in his words at the opening of the Theological-Pastoral Congress of Mexico. The cardinal wanted to underline three important aspects:
1. Homosexuality is not a necessary component of society, as is the family.

Continue: http://www.zenit.org/article-24800?l=english

Homosexual Bible set for market

Gay Bible angers Christians

A gay version of the Bible, in which God says it is better to be gay than straight, is to be published by an American film producer.

New Mexico-based Revision Studios will publish The Princess Diana Bible – so named because of Diana's "many good works", it says – online at princessdianabible.com in spring 2009. A preview of Genesis is already available, in which instead of creating Adam and Eve, God creates Aida and Eve.

"And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Aida, and she slept: and he took one of her ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from woman, made he another woman, and brought her unto the first. And Aida said, 'This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of me. Therefore shall a woman leave her mother, and shall cleave unto her wife: and they shall be one flesh.' And they were both naked, the woman and her wife, and were not ashamed."

The film studio said it would also adapt and direct the revised Bible as a two-part mini-series, The Gay Old Testament and The Gay New Testament, once it is completed.

"There are many different versions of the Bible; I don't see why we can't have one," said Max Mitchell, who directed the science fiction comedy Horror in the Wind, in which an airborne formula invented by two biogeneticists reverses the world's sexual orientation.

"I got the idea for the Princess Diana Bible from Horror In The Wind," he added. "After the world becomes gay, religious people create The Princess Diana Bible, which says that gay is right and straight is a sin. Then they burn all the King James Bibles."

The move has already provoked upset among Christians, with the blogger Douglas Howe at the Idol Chatter site describing it as "inspired by a political agenda and one person's desire to contort not only the text but the very context of it to suit his own perspective".

There was also criticism on Mitchell's Princess Diana Bible site, where one commentator said the choice of title was "very disrespectful to the late Princess Diana … It's just one more thing to link her to what many people believe is immoral. Sad, very sad indeed."

But Mitchell said: "There are 116 versions of the Bible, why is any of them better than ours?"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/01/princess-diana-gay-bible

Anger expressed over eHarmony decision

A well-known Christian activist says it's outrageous that the founder of the world's largest online dating site has bowed to the pressure of homosexuals.

eHarmony was founded by Dr. Neil Clark Warren who is a professing Christian. Three years ago, a homosexual filed a lawsuit claiming he was the victim of discrimination when the company refused to accept his advertisement for a same-sex partner. And now eHarmony has agreed to begin matching homosexual couples -- a decision that stemmed from the lawsuit settlement. (See earlier article)

Dr. Ken Hutcherson is pastor of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, Washington and he is not surprised with the court's ruling against eHarmony. However, Dr. Hutcherson says eHarmony should have taken a stand.

"To bow and say okay…that is turning against God who made his business successful," he argues.

Hutcherson says it is time for Christians to take a stand. "We're simply becoming evan-jellyfish with no spiritual vertebrae…and I'm appalled, I am mad, I am frustrated. I want to fight this and that is something we need to do," he chides.

Hutcherson says the Lord will never bless a business that puts the dollar above God's word. Through a press release, eHarmony said although company officials believed the complaint resulted from an unfair characterization of their business, they ultimately decided it was best to settle the case because of the unpredictable nature of continued litigation.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=335070

Obama keeping promises made to homosexual groups

President-elect Barack Obama is moving swiftly to appoint homosexual activists to positions within his administration.

Politico.com reports that 10 national homosexual organizations are working with the Obama transition team to get more openly homosexual people appointed to the incoming administration. Obama's transition team has also reportedly named at least seven openly homosexual people to transition panels assigned to review federal departments and agencies. Three of the seven homosexuals on transition panels have held high-level positions in the Clinton administration.

Matt Barber, director of cultural affairs with Liberty Counsel and Liberty Alliance Action, says Obama is keeping his promises to the homosexual lobby.

"Obama, throughout the campaign, signaled...very quietly, but nonetheless signaled on his web page and elsewhere that he essentially had signed off on every major demand of homosexual pressure groups," he said. "So it's not surprising that he has now allowed some of these radical activists to become part of his administration."

According to the Washington Blade, Obama officials also named President Bush's former ambassador to Romania, Michael Guest, to a transition panel assigned to review issues pertaining to the State Department.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=335060

Play tells British schoolkids 'it's OK to be gay'

A play commissioned by the homosexual lobby group Stonewall and aimed at 11- to 14-year-olds has been staged at more than 75 schools in Britain, upsetting some parents who believe their children are too young to be confronted with messages about homosexuality. The "hip-hop musical" Fit is based on two assumptions: that there is "homophobic bullying" in playgrounds and that there are budding homosexuals among the schoolchildren who need to hear the message that they should be proud of their sexuality. Teachers are encouraged to discuss the issues it raises in personal, social and health and health education lessons.

One mother who objects says, "When I was 11, I didn't even know what 'gay' was. It has come to something when our schools are worried about first year pupils making up their minds about their sexuality. What happened to the three Rs?" The father of a 12-year-old boy said he doesn't want his son seeing the play: "I could be wrong but I don't think it's normal to think about being gay at that age."

An east London council issued a press release praising the "pioneering anti-homophobia play", which tells the story of two boys who are the subject of gossip about their sexuality on a school bus trip, and also features two girls kissing. Showings are followed by a talk with the audience led by the author, plays a teacher in the performance. In 1988 the government banned schools from promoting homosexuality or distributing any material that depicted it as normal. The ban was repealed in England five years ago. ~ Telegraph (UK), Nov 10

*See MercatorNet article: "Coming out" puts adolescents at risk

Methodist group ordains lesbian for inclusivity's sake

A religious watchdog organization says the recent unauthorized ordination ceremony for a lesbian and another woman who champions homosexual rights is evidence of the theological tailspin plaguing the historic United Methodist Church in Maryland. Last month, a so-called "extraordinary ordination" was held at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Baltimore. Organizers said the ceremony was sponsored by the Church Within A Church Movement, a Methodist group which bills itself as being the "inclusive church" and plants churches with the objective of providing ministry opportunities for "sexual minorities." Annie Britton and Jenna Zirbel were "ordained" on Sunday, October 19. Britton is legally married to her partner in Massachusetts, and Zirbel says she had been denied ordination previously because of her stated support of "gay and lesbian people in the church."
United Methodist Church (UMC) officials noted the ceremony was unauthorized. Mark Tooley with The Institute on Religion & Democracy believes organizers have a clear agenda.

"The Church Within A Church Movement is hoping that they are doing what the church as a whole will be doing in the near future," he contends. "I am more hopeful that the church, having said no, will continue to say no to the acceptance of openly homosexual clergy."

Tooley believes the denomination will eventually have to deal with the issue at its General Conference. A retired Methodist bishop who participated in the ordination ceremony says those who stand against ordination of homosexuals are misreading scripture. "For too long, " said Bishop Susan Morrison, "selective reading of the Bible has meant that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their supporters have been excluded and punished for their honesty when they reject the 'don't ask, don't tell' practices of the church."

Be warned: they're coming out on the 15th.

The LGBTQ Community is calling upon all its supporters to join them at their respective city halls across the country on November 15th at 10:30am PST /1:30pm EST. Their purpose is to protest the passage of Proposition 8 in California and the similar poll results in Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas.

I hope you don't have any business at your city hall that day. If so, you may want to reschedule.

“Coming out” puts adolescents at risk

From Mercatornet.com:

By Dale O'Leary

Encouraging adolescents with same-sex attractions to identify as gay has no scientific or ethical justification.

How should schools treat students who self-identify as homosexual? Today entire school systems in a number of states and counties promote “acceptance”. The demand for acceptance is based on the premise that patterns of sexual attraction – to the other sex or to same sex are determined at birth and unchangeable; therefore, everyone – the affected students themselves, their parents, teachers, and classmates – should be educated and when necessary pressured into accepting same-sex attraction (SSA) as normal and as healthy as the love between a man and a woman in marriage.

There is, however, no evidence to support the claim that SSA is genetically determined and unchangeable. If it were, one would expect that identical twins would always have the same pattern of sexual attraction. A study led by J. Michael Bailey based on the twins registry in Australia found that among male identical twins, when one twin had SSA, in only 11 per cent of the cases so did the other. This research virtually precludes genetic determination.

There is also no evidence to support the claim that SSA is unchangeable. There are numerous reports of people understanding the emotional conflicts that led them to SSA, successfully addressing these weaknesses and then experiencing a new pattern of sexual attraction. A large study of sexuality led by Edward Lauman found the percentage of people self-identifying as homosexual declining over time. Lisa Diamond found that patterns of sexual attraction are particularly unstable among women.

Those who support acceptance might argue that even if SSA is not genetically determined and changeable it would still be better for those experiencing these feelings to “come out” and be accepted as homosexual by the school community. This view ignores the very real risks that accompany coming out, particularly for males.

Vulnerable boys

Over 40 per cent of males who self-identify as homosexual (“gay”) before age 18 have been victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault. (Doll et al, 1992) An even higher percentage has suffered from untreated Gender Identity Disorder. (Zucker, Bradley, 1995) A study of the sexual behavior of 239 homosexually active males, 13 to 21, found that 42 per cent had a history of sexual abuse/assault. (Remafedi, 1994; Osmond, 1994) A study of 425 homosexual males, ages 17 to 22, found that 41.4 per cent reported an occasion of forced sex. (Halkitis, Wilton, Drescher, eds. 2005; Wainberg 2006) Forced sex rarely involves “safe” sex practices. (Kalichman, Rompa 1995)

Sexual child abuse and sexual assault have been linked to long-term psychological problems, including depression, sexual addiction, drug addiction, involvement in prostitution, and suicidal feelings. Some of these young men see their victimization as proof that they were “born” homosexual. Programs directed to acceptance rarely acknowledge or address these problems. When these serious emotional conflicts are not uncovered and treated, these males often act out in ways that are dangerous to themselves and to others. It is important to address this highly prevalent problem in young males with SSA.

At high risk of infection

Even if an adolescent male with SSA was not the victim of sexual abuse and did not experience untreated gender identity disorder GID, engaging in homosexual activity as an adolescent carries a high and truly unacceptable risk.

Read the rest of this article here.

Gay Activist Opposes Church Protests

Last month, I posted this letter from fellow retired LAPD officer John Smith. He was one of the first LAPD officers to “come out of the closet” during the early 1990s. In his letter, Smith explained why he voted YES on Proposition 8 and gay protests at churches. John and his partner live in Southern California, and I am honored to consider him a friend.

Today, as I listened to the news talking about the Prop 8 protests, I dusted off my retirement shadow box which displays my retired police badge. I reflected back on the oath of office I took as a young man - the day I joined the Los Angeles Police Department. As I took this oath, I gave my word to “always live my life as an example to all.”

Although I am retired, these words hold deep significance to me. Like most cops, I know the how difficult it is to do the right thing – especially when “the masses” disagree with you. Just as the “gay community” expresses their outrage over the passage of Proposition 8, I also want my voice to be heard.

As a retired police officer who is also gay, words cannot describe my anger at the gay community’s violent response to the passage of Proposition 8. I am deeply offended by the hypocritical behavior of the gay community.

I am not an openly religious man. In fact, I have rarely (if ever) discussed my personal religious values. Until now.

I believe in God.

I believe in the American right to worship in peace and free from interference.

Find the rest of the article here.

Are straight girls' libidos shaped by gay men?

This was written by a friend of Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, David Benkof.

--Next month, Playgirl--the skin mag aimed at women--will release the last issue of its 35-year run. The magazine's popularity with gay men points to a little-discussed phenomenon: that at least some of the women's sexual liberation over the last two generations that has aimed to show female desire as a mirror image of that of men has actually been fueled by gay men's arousal and aesthetic.

This unfortunate dynamic stifles women's natural inclinations and superimposes an artificial male-male sexual model on heterosexual relations. Women--and men--deserve better.
When Playgirl first began publishing in 1973, it aimed to serve a parallel function to the similarly named (but separately owned and published) Playboy, which had been providing erotic pictures and stories as well as serious interviews and fiction to men since 1953. Early issues featured articles and short stories by noted authors including Maya Angelou and Margaret Atwood. But the most distinctive feature of the magazine was the pictorials, featuring good-looking men in various states of undress.

Playgirl's appeal to gay men has fluctuated over the years, but men have been estimated at between 30 and 75 percent of the magazine's readers. In the early years, the magazine insisted its audience was overwhelmingly female, but in the last 10 years Playgirl's leadership has acknowledged that gay men make up approximately half its readership.

Former Playgirl editor in chief Judy Cole once suggested that Playgirl appeals to gay men precisely because it is supposed to be for women--the same reasons that lead "drag queens to haunt exclusive women's designer boutiques, rather than stores that carry merchandise specifically for them. Ignoring the gay audience may turn out to be the most savvy marketing strategy of all."

Yes, some women enjoy pictures of naked men. But the magazine made it as far as it did only because gay men, too, enjoy pictures of naked men.

Playgirl is not an isolated phenomenon. The male dance revue Chippendales also got its aesthetic from a gay man. Recently, original Chippendales choreographer Nick DeNoia was revealed in the 2008 book "Master of Ceremonies: A True Story of Love, Murder, Roller Skates and Chippendales" to be a closeted homosexual. DeNoia was most responsible for selecting the first dancers and setting the tone of the show.

Read the rest of the article here.