Playboy is known for pushing the magazine beyond its boundaries. The American magazine has been a pioneer in creating many notable firsts and has also played an important role in sexual revolution. However, to feature a transgender in the centerfold for the first time in its 64-year old history is something that hasn't gone down well with the fans.

Ines Rau, a 26-year old French model, appeared naked in an 8-page spread for the centerfold of the magazine. Playboy announced on Thursday that Rau was the first transgender to have been featured as a playmate.

The instant change in the mega brand philosophy made fans on social media platforms express their anguish on featuring Rau.

"This isn't what Playboy is about. It has (and used) to have pictures of women. I wouldn't want to read an article about horses in a fishing magazine either," a fan wrote.

"So Playboy is now running pictures of naked dudes? Isn't there another magazine for that? I'm confused," wrote another.

In response to the massive criticism on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr, Playboy defended its move as the chief creative officer and son of Hugh Hefner rushed towards a damage control mode.

"Rau was selected to be a Playmate two months ago because she's 'lovely' and has 'a remarkable personality,' 'but also to re-solidify the magazine's voice," he told the New York Times on Thursday. "This is really a moment for us to take a step back and say that so much of what the brand stood for in the early years is very much still alive in culture."

"Standing on the right side of history," the magazine captioned, as it defends its move with a series of images on Instagram.

"In March 1965, we featured Jenny Jackson, our first black Playmate. Many fans revoked their subscription or returned the issue. Many more embraced Jenny Jackson, her beauty, and Playboy's decision," Playboy added, alongside another image in connection to the issue published in the early 60's.

Meanwhile, LGBT supporters took to Twitter and lauded the magazine's ideology.

The magazine's November issue has been in the talks not only because of its transgender feature but also due to its relevance on being the first copy after founder Hugh Hefner's death.

Tags
Hugh hefner, Playboy, Lgbt