Why is GQ's 'Bro of the Year' wearing lingerie?

Real bros wear lingerie.

At least that's what GQ seems to think.

The men's magazine recently revealed comedienne Kristen Wiig as their " Bro of the Year" with a tribute written by her Bridesmaids co-star Jon Hamm, and a photo of the actress modelling black lingerie and a pout.

Ms. Wiig was given the newly-invented honour in appreciation of her comedic success in 2011, as part of the magazine's annual "Men of the Year" December issue. While bestowing Ms. Wiig with the traditionally masculine title of "bro" may seem progressive, many are chastising GQ, questioning why an article highlighting Ms. Wiig's comedic genius is accompanied by a pin-up photo.

Lora Grady, assistant editor at Chatelaine, summed up the mixed feelings towards Ms. Wiig's GQ accolade and photo on Twitter: "I have mixed feelings about Wiig being Bro of the Year. Yes, it is awesome. The posing-in-lingerie part? Not so much."

Ms. Grady wasn't the only person to find the sexy/funny mash-up a little strange. In The Washington Post's Celebritology blog, Sarah Anne Hughes writes that the photo is "part of what seems like a requirement for females appearing in the men's magazine."

And Dylan P. Gadino, editor of LaughSpin.com, echoed Ms. Hughes' thoughts: "Why all the overt sexuality? Is it sending mixed signals? I always thought women in comedy wanted to be judged on their craft and not the way they look. Am I wrong?"

Mr. Gadino also points out other instances of talented female stars appearing scantily-clad in the pages of GQ. Actress Mila Kunis appeared on the cover of the magazine's annual comedy issue in July, wearing a pair of black underwear and a sheer top. In the pages of that same issue, Alison Brie and Gillian Jacobs of Community pose in lingerie, as Ms. Jacobs pretend-spanks Ms. Brie.

In the July issue, Ms. Kunis hints at the contentious issue of talented, successful women baring it all for magazines. "The bottom line is if you're an attractive female in this industry, people just take you as that: attractive. People aren't getting the opportunity to move beyond being attractive."

Leaving feminist blog Jezebel to declare: "I have a dream that one day ladies can be considered ladybros without having to show their ladylumps."

Do you think Kristen Wiig's sexy spread is a compliment to her physique? Or is the photo debasing her success?