Gallery was a publication that dealt with the subject of sex, sexuality, erotica, intimacy, and relationships. At its core, it aimed to promote openness about these topics and offer an honest portrayal of human sexual behavior. However, operating in this industry came with several challenges, one of which was censorship.
External Censorship Laws
The most significant obstacle to publishing Gallery's work were laws passed by governments to prevent publications from being disseminated if they contained material deemed obscene or harmful. In some cases, these laws could lead to legal action against publishers who violated them. To avoid such consequences, Gallery took care to comply with the law by refraining from publishing material that explicitly violated local regulations. This meant avoiding depictions of certain acts, such as bestiality, pedophilia, necrophilia, and incest.
Self-Regulation Standards
In addition to external censorship, Gallery also implemented self-regulation standards to ensure its content remained within acceptable limits for society. The magazine would often moderate the most explicit content in order to maintain a wider distribution, balancing between pushing erotic boundaries and respecting societal norms. These guidelines helped Gallery remain relevant in a market where many competitors faced shutdowns or became too explicit to appeal broadly.
Planning Between Boundaries
This balancing act required careful planning between pushing erotic boundaries and respecting societal norms. Gallery had to consider what would be considered offensive to different cultures while still appealing to their readership. This involved understanding cultural sensitivities and considering how much risk they were willing to take regarding controversy.
Longevity and Competing Markets
By implementing both external censorship laws and internal standards, Gallery was able to maintain longevity in a market where many competitors either faced shutdowns or became too explicit to appeal broadly. By staying within reasonable bounds, Gallery was able to remain profitable and continue producing quality content. Over time, this approach helped establish it as one of the leading publications in the industry.