SuicideGirls

Founded in 2001 by Selena Mooney ("Missy Suicide") and Sean Suhl ("Spooky"), SuicideGirls has evolved from a photography project into a comprehensive online community centered around pin-up photography sets of models known as the Suicide Girls. This platform distinguishes itself by celebrating alternative beauty and fostering a space where women have control over the depiction of their sexuality. Based initially in Portland, Oregon, before relocating to Los Angeles, California, the site has grown to become a revered space for showcasing pin-up art that challenges mainstream beauty standards.

SuicideGirls is not just a collection of photography sets; it is an expansive community where members, including models and photographers from around the world, can share images, maintain personal profiles, blog, and join interest-based groups. The site offers an array of content, from fully clothed to fully nude photosets, each embodying themes or concepts chosen by the models and photographers to project images of "alternative" beauty. These photosets are a modern homage to classic pin-up art, emphasizing each model's unique beauty and perspective. Beyond the visual content, SuicideGirls extends into merchandise, including clothing, books, and DVDs.

A crucial aspect of SuicideGirls is its adherence to privacy and community standards. In response to legal scrutiny, the site has navigated controversies surrounding its content by removing images that could potentially conflict with U.S. Department of Justice standards, specifically those depicting bondage, weapons, or simulated blood, only to reintroduce them when it was deemed appropriate. 

SuicideGirls has also made its mark beyond the digital world, with appearances in television shows, music videos, and even live performances.

At its core, SuicideGirls is more than a website; it's a movement that champions the idea of "social suicide" - breaking away from societal norms to celebrate individuality and alternative beauty. With nearly 8 million images live on the site as of May 2015, and a model for engagement that empowers both creators and consumers, SuicideGirls stands as a testament to the transformative power of community and the enduring appeal of pin-up art in the digital age.