Before the sexual revolution of the 1960s, displaying male genitalia in the United States was illegal, and photographers and publishers risked imprisonment for the open display of male nudity. In that context, vintage physique magazines like Go Guys flourished, featuring male models in posing pouches or swimsuits, but offering fully nude images for a price.
Bob Mizer, a legendary physique photographer, was known for his infamous code, which allowed him to push boundaries and explore sexuality through his work. Monte Hanson was one of Mizer’s most popular models and one of the first to cross over to hard-core porn. Mizer wrote that Hanson would do almost anything to hold an audience, including giving blowjobs for the right price or performing as an anal top. Despite his talents, Hanson did not pursue further work in physique modeling or porn.
Ernie Matthews, another model featured in Go Guys, made a name for himself in the physique world in the late 1960s. Matthews posed nude for the first time four years after the release of the 1964 Winter Issue of Go Guys. He later showed up at AMG with friend Brian Hunt, and the pair would only work together. Some online sources claim that Matthews went on to achieve porn fame as Jay Richards, the life partner of New Jersey filmmaker Robert Prion, but this claim remains unverified.
Everett Lee Jackson, who posed under the name Cherokee, was another popular physique model who hustled on the side. He usually kept his posing pouch on but was willing to offer limited services as an oral or anal top. Bob Jackson, a former sailor who also modeled for AMG, was sexually versatile but suffered from some sexual confusion, according to Mizer.
Jim Stryker, a physique superstar, modeled for a men’s wear ad shot on location at the Grand Canyon, showing off his impressive physique and Very Visible Penis Line. Joseph Cali, another physique model, went on to a successful film and television career, including a role in Saturday Night Fever.
Despite the legal risks and social taboos of the time, these male models and photographers pushed boundaries and helped pave the way for greater acceptance of LGBT culture in America.