PETA's announcement late last summer that it planned to reserve one of the new .xxx domain extensions was met with both scorn and amusement. The animal rights organization, well-known for using clever marketing strategies to spread its messages, said the intention for the domain was to create a "pornography site that draws attention to the plight of animals."
Naturally, the media and people alike were curious as to what such a mix might mean for content. In the early months, I wasn't even sure if PETA exactly knew. But in a January interview, President Ingrid Newkirk said that what's in store will be both titillating and shocking "but perhaps not in the way that people think."
Yesterday, PETA took the wraps off its new domain, revealing a splash page with a signup for those interested in getting the news when the site officially launches.
"We're not quite ready to reveal PETA.xxx yet, but we promise that when we do, there will definitely be a real happy ending," the site reads. Oh boy.
In response to those saying that this website is yet another way PETA disrespects women, Newkirk fired back in her interview, calling such accusations "fiddlesticks."
"I am a woman, and I am 62 and a bit," she said. "I have appeared in the I'd Rather Go Naked ads. That may give you a shudder, but it's true. And we have ample examples of men who have appeared in them, too. They just don't get the same press. We pretty much do anything and everything. It's just that some things get press and some things don't."
Newkirk challenged critics to speak with any of the women who have agreed to participate in past campaigns; using actress Taraji Henson as an example. "Ask her, and she'll say, I'm a powerful woman. I use my body as a political statement. I'm entitled to. We don't live in Afghanistan. Leave me alone."
To sign up for PETA.xxx, proceed at your own risk (from work is probably not a great idea) and jump here.