PHOTOS: #ReadNaked Boosts Literacy, Libido

A literacy project we can all get behind (sorry), the Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation, a San Diego-based arts organization, announces the launch of its 2016 calendar and #ReadNaked campaign. #ReadNaked aims to show that reading and literature can be sexy and fun — and essential for today’s young gay or bisexual man.

The ReadNaked 2016 calendar enlisted gay and bisexual such as Rodiney Santiago, Andrew Christian models Arad Winwin and Cheddy O, choreographer-model Wiko Ezra, and adult-film star Scotty Marx, along with random readers from Southern California. Models are paired with books and quotes by award-winning gay authors of color such as Richard Blanco, James Baldwin, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Rigoberto González, Justin Torres, and Lysley Tenorio. All proceeds support the Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation’s programming, which ensures LGBT books make it into California’s high school libraries.

If you are in the San Diego area at the beginning of December, there will be some very book-minded launch parties hosted by the #ReadNaked models, who will also be the go-go boys for the evening. There will be calendar signings, drink specials, and fashion shows courtesy of Krave+Kulture. Check out the links below for more information and get your culture on.

The San Diego Literary Foundation and Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation on Facebook.

All photography by David Quintanilla.