US Bookstores Censor Topless Male Model

Andrej Pejic  is an Australian male model that is currently on the cover of Dossier. Barnes & Noble and Borders have both requested that the magazine come with a censored cover in case people “confuse him with a woman.”

Dossier co-founder and creative director Skye Parrott told Jezebel.com:

“We knew that this cover presented a very strong, androgynous image, and that could make some people uncomfortable. That’s partly why we chose it. I guess it has made someone pretty uncomfortable. [It poses] a very interesting question of gender.

“What message are the big book stores sending – that the male torso is only appropriate all-ages viewing when the man in question is ripped?

Dossier sells about 20,000 copies per issue, and says that about 10% of its sales come from retailers Barnes & Noble and Borders.

Pejic models both men’s and women’s clothing, and has been mistaken for a woman before.

Pejic said:

“I’m sure most people think of me as a woman. It doesn’t bother me anymore and I feel fine about it… I don’t consider my looks unusual.”

[Source: Herald Sun]