An LGBT+ story was published by Playboy in 1955

“The Crooked Man” by Charles Beaumont takes place 500 years in the future and tells the story of a dystopian society wherein society has banned heterosexuality. Much like other dystopian stories, the government takes in active role in monitoring society and people are born in labs.

You can read the story in full here. 

In contrast to current society, this futuristic society is very discriminatory towards people that are heterosexual. Furthermore, they’re labeled “queers.”

Beyond these basic elements, the story takes a discriminatory turn against LGBT+ people as it frames gay men as sexually ravenous and stupid.

For example, in the story things like books and parks are banned and everyone participates in a daily “orgy-time.”

Nevertheless, the story does have its redeeming moments as it discusses navigating the difficulties of love and discrimination.

Also, it brought the topic of sexual orientation to the forefront of a major publication.

While Hugh Hefner did face some backlash for publishing the story, his response was encouraging.

“If it was wrong to persecute heterosexuals in a homosexual society, then the reverse was wrong too,” Hefner said.

Copyright The Gayly – 10/1/2017 2:50 p.m. CST