May 13, 2008 | The Biz

Playboy courting gays

Playboy Enterprises has decided to dip its little toe into the gay market by offering softcore (yawn) video-on-demand. Time Warner Cable subscribers will have access to approximately 20 hours of man-on-man programming starting next month.

The decision may have something to do with this week's announcement that Playboy revenue dropped 8 percent from last year. Their domestic TV revenue is also down by $2.6 million in the first three months.

Playboy President Bob Meyers wrote to Time Warner on March 31 to advise them of his company's plans, promising "professionally produced adult programs selected by Playboy, targeted to the male gay community, edited to a standard no more explicit" than softcore pornography. The movies "may depict erect genitalia, male-on-male fellatio and simulated or implied sexual intercourse."

They will not, however, show "actual anal penetration, licking or anal sexual play of any kind,” or forced bondage and (gasp!) male ejaculation.

Gay porn minus ass play and money shots. Where do we sign up?