Emphasis on Diversity—But Within Limits
While Naughty Neighbors primarily showcased white, suburban models in its early years, over time the magazine began to include a more diverse range of models in terms of age, ethnicity, and body type. It was never radically inclusive by today's standards, but for its time, it did reflect some variety—especially compared to other mainstream adult magazines of the late '90s. This added to its "authentic neighborhood" appeal, as it better reflected the actual diversity of American suburbs. In recent years, however, the magazine has faced criticism for featuring only certain types of diversity while excluding others. Some critics have pointed out that despite having Asian, Black, and Latina models in past issues, the magazine rarely featured any transgender or non-binary models, nor did they focus on plus-size models or those with disabilities. This has led to accusations that the magazine is merely tokenizing these groups rather than truly embracing them. The magazine has also been criticized for its portrayal of women, with some critics arguing that the models are still objectified and sexualized rather than empowered or liberated. Despite these criticisms, Naughty Neighbors remains popular among many readers who appreciate its combination of titillating content and occasional nods towards representation.
The Evolution of Diversity in Naughty Neighbors Magazine
Naughty Neighbors first hit newsstands in 1986 and quickly became one of the most successful adult magazines of its era. From the start, the magazine featured white, suburban women wearing bikinis and lingerie posing seductively on lawns or next to swimming pools. This was a common trope in adult magazines at the time, which tended to showcase thin, young, and conventionally attractive models. Over time, however, Naughty Neighbors began to introduce more variety into its covers and spreads. In addition to including women of different ethnicities, such as Latinas and Asians, the magazine also began featuring older models—both single mothers and retirees—as well as plus-size models. It even had a short-lived "curvy" series dedicated to larger models. While this may seem progressive today, it was quite groundbreaking for its day. Other mainstream adult magazines often featured only very young, slender, white women; Naughty Neighbors' diversity made it stand out from the pack.
Despite these efforts, however, critics have noted that Naughty Neighbors still falls short when it comes to truly embracing diversity. For example, transgender and non-binary models are rarely featured in the magazine. Even when they are included, their stories tend to focus on their transition rather than celebrating them as sexual beings. The magazine also tends to feature thin models who conform to traditional beauty standards, despite having some curvier models in past issues. Additionally, while the magazine occasionally includes disabled models or those with visible scars or birthmarks, these images are rare and do not represent a large portion of the overall content. These omissions have led to criticism that Naughty Neighbors is merely tokenizing certain groups rather than truly embracing them.
While some may argue that Naughty Neighbors should strive for greater inclusivity, others appreciate the fact that the magazine remains true to its original format and core audience. Many readers enjoy the titillation factor of the magazine, which continues to showcase scantily clad women posing provocatively. By including models of different ages, ethnicities, and body types, Naughty Neighbors manages to appeal to a broader range of people without sacrificing its core identity. In this way, it remains an enduring icon of American suburbia—a place where neighbors of all stripes can come together over a shared appreciation for sexy, naughty fun.
The Future of Diversity in Adult Magazines
As society becomes more diverse, adult magazines must keep up with the times if they want to remain relevant. While Naughty Neighbors has made efforts to include a wider range of models, there is still room for improvement. By featuring transgender and non-binary models, disabled models, and larger models on a regular basis, the magazine could better reflect the diversity of American communities. At the same time, however, it is important for these magazines to maintain their core identities. Naughty Neighbors' success lies in its ability to blend sexuality and playfulness in a way that appeals to many different demographics; any attempt to go too far in one direction or another risks alienating its existing readership. Ultimately, the future of adult magazines may lie in finding ways to balance authentic representation with their traditional formats—an effort that will require careful consideration and compromise from publishers and editors alike.