Few media brands scream “straight” quite like *Playboy*. Since the 1950s, the men’s lifestyle magazine has been best known for its photos of nude and scantily clad women (aka Playmates)—and, of course, for its iconic bunny mascot. But those who’ve been paying attention, *Playboy* has quietly undergone an editorial transformation. Since November, the magazine has relaunched its print edition (previously halted in 2020), started a Substack newsletter blending archival material with original writing, and introduced new Playmates to the world. It’s all been under the advice of Phillip Picardi, who was announced on March 11 as *Playboy*’s new chief brand officer and editor-in-chief, making him the first openly gay man to lead the brand. Picardi is a media veteran with more than a decade of experience shaping the magazine industry.…