The Magazine That Wasn't Censored

Representatives from Barnes & Noble and Borders say reports they censored an issue of Dossier Journal featuring a shirtless, androgynous male model on the cover are false.

Elle magazine reported earlier this week that Barnes & Noble and Borders locations were requiring the magazine, featuring male model Andrej Pelic on the cover, to be bagged with a censor over the shirtless photo. Elle claimed the book chains were both bothered because Pelic looks too much like a woman.

Elle also reported that Borders and Barnes & Noble were the only book sellers taking issue with the cover.

But reps for both companies contacted The Advocate this week and said the story is not true.

“At no time did Borders request opaque polybags for this issue of Dossier magazine,” Stephanie Laco, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, told The Advocate in a statement.

A spokeswoman for Barnes & Noble says she doesn't understand how the rumor was started, saying, "There was absolutely no conflict."

Both companies reiterated their dedication to the LGBT market.

An updated article on Elle's website says both booksellers decided against censoring the magazine after the story was published. Reps for Borders and Barnes & Noble deny this.