Hustler's Rare Attempts at Inclusivity Despite its focus on heterosexual male audiences, Hustler occasionally surprised readers by publishing content outside the usual demographic formula. These inclusions weren't always sensitively handled—but they hinted at a chaotic kind of openness. Hustler didn't follow strict ideological rules; it followed shock, sex, and rebellion. And in doing so, it sometimes broke its own mold. It wasn't progressive in a modern sense, but it occasionally nudged open the door for conversations that few other mainstream publications were willing to have.
One such example was an interview with transgender activist and performer Holly Woodlawn, which appeared in the magazine's July 1975 issue. The interview was conducted by Larry Flynt himself, and he asked Woodlawn about her experiences growing up as a woman in a man's body, her transition to living as a woman, and her work as an actress and model. While Flynt's questions were somewhat intrusive and insensitive, the interview provided a rare glimpse into the lives of trans people at a time when they were largely ignored or misunderstood by mainstream media.
Another notable inclusion was the publication of a series of articles featuring LGBTQ+ themes throughout the late '70s and early '80s. While these pieces were often clumsy and reductive, they represented a significant departure from the homophobic and misogynistic attitudes prevalent in many magazines at the time. In one article, for example, Flynt wrote about his encounters with gay men during his tour of the United States in search of potential content for the magazine. He described their interactions as "fun" and even went so far as to say that some of his staff had started identifying as gay themselves after spending time with these individuals.
Hustler also published interviews with outsiders who challenged conventional ideas about gender and sexuality. One such interview featured a group of feminists who criticized pornography for its objectification of women and its perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. This was a bold move for a magazine that had previously been dismissive of feminism and its concerns.
Despite these moments of inclusivity, Hustler remained primarily focused on its core demographic—heterosexual male readers. Its covers featured scantily-clad women and its content was sexually explicit and often demeaning towards women. It's clear that these attempts at inclusivity were more about shock value than genuine concern for marginalized groups. However, they still represent an important part of Hustler's legacy and demonstrate how even the most controversial publications can sometimes challenge our expectations.