Multicultural male models strip off for #ReadNaked campaign

The Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation, a literary arts organisation based in San Diego, have launched their 2016 calendar and accompanying #ReadNaked campaign, which “aims to show that reading and literature can be sexy and fun and is essential for today’s young gay or bisexual man.”

The ReadNaked 2016 calendar is unique because it has specially enlisted openly gay and bisexual male models of colour such as Rodiney Santiago, Andrew Christian Model Arad Winwin, choreographer/model Wiko Ezra, Andrew Christian Model Cheddy O, and adult film star Scotty Marx, “along with multiple studs from throughout Southern California”.

In the stunning photographs, the models are paired with books and quotes by award winning gay authors of colour such as Richard Blanco, James Baldwin, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Rigoberto González, Justin Torres, and Lysley Tenorio.

“#ReadNaked is all about pushing back at that stereotype of who a reader is and demonstrates just how sexy and fun literature and reading can be,” say those behind the campaign. We can’t argue with that.

All proceeds from sales of the calendars go towards supporting the Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation’s programming, which includes helping pay to ensure that LGBT books make it into California’s high school libraries.

Those in the San Diego area can attend launch parties next week hosted by the #ReadNaked models themselves – info: sdliteraryfoundation.org