Playgirl Posse: Megan's Longtime Love Affair by Megan Hussey, PosseMeister

"Entertainment for women" is the phrase that graces the front cover of Playgirl Magazine. Yet in the eyes of this reader, Playgirl is more than 'entertainment.' It's a source of creative and feminist inspiration.

I've been a Playgirl reader since my college years. At that point, the magazine was always a welcome escape from a grueling schedule of work and academic pursuits; a world of fantasy filled with beautiful men and romantic, erotic stories.

Also, after growing up in a conservative Midwestern community and a fairly traditional household, Playgirl was a vital source of both sexual fantasy and education. It answered questions I was afraid to ask, and gave me permission to enjoy my sexuality.

And as a burgeoning writer of romantic and erotic fiction, I often found myself basing my heroes on models I had seen in the magazine. (Just imagine sitting in a writer's group and hearing the following conversation: "Ladies, who inspires your romantic heroes? Sandra?" "Harrison Ford." "Joy?" "My first boyfriend." "Megan?" "Mr. January. . .")

As a lifelong feminist, I didn't initially connect my egalitarian beliefs with my passion for Playgirl. In fact, I primarily saw the magazine as a luxurious escape from everyday life.

Yet I soon came to appreciate the fact that Playgirl is the only magazine that addresses women's sexuality. Sure, others may point to Cosmo or Redbook -- but, while well-written and professionally photographed, those magazines offer many more articles about how to please one's man than how to please oneself. And while Cosmo's covers feature scantily clad women, Playgirl's covers feature scantily clad men. For a magazine aimed at straight women, what a revolutionary concept!!!

As both a feminist and a Playgirl reader, I've often found myself asking the same questions again and again: Why do people react so strangely (and oppressively) when a woman buys an adult magazine? Why aren't there more stores that carry Playgirl, and more discussions about Playgirl in the mainstream media?

And why don't we see a PLAYGIRL TV?

This last question was wonderfully answered last year, when I came across a message on a "beefcake news" message board regarding the new PLAYGIRL TV: The First Adult Entertainment for Women.

"Finally!" I thought, raising a triumphant fist in the air.

After visiting the PLAYGIRL TV website and talking with executives, I learned about their impressive selection of adult films, Centerfold profiles, and lifestyle shows geared toward women. And I became determined to help them succeed.

To this end, I've starting the Playgirl Posse: a group open to adults of all backgrounds, cultures, and genders. The only membership requirement is that you support Playgirl and the related concept of adult entertainment for women, and that you want to see PLAYGIRL TV succeed.

I want the group to be a fun, social forum where friends and creative partnerships are formed. And I want members to share my firm conviction that adult entertainment opportunities for women will not go by the wayside because women have been hesitant to ask for them, thus cable and satellite executives are likely unaware of the demand for this type of entertainment..

As females, we're often conditioned to be ashamed of our sexuality. Yet unless we want to continue watching our boyfriends' porn (gawd, no!), we have to speak up for our own adult entertainment. This is easier and more comfortable to do in a group forum; and in the Playgirl Posse, every member has a voice.

Some might call the Playgirl Posse a revolutionary feminist statement. Others might call it an elaborate means of getting more hot naked men on TV. And I assure you it's both of those things!

Yet it's also a heartfelt "thank you" to Playgirl Magazine. I owe 'em one.