At the time of its conception, Playgirl wasn't just a pale imitation of Playboy; it was a major tool in the women's liberation movement, with stories on women breaking barriers across the globe, reproductive health, and interviews with women such as Maya Angelou (amid tasteful and erotic male nudes). Additionally, Playgirl has played a major role in LGBTQ+ culture through the decades, with a significant gay male readership through history.