Responses
Maybe the author wanted to make the American setting feel more authentic, since Dick is an American nickname for Richard.
English nickname*
Possible, but it's hard to believe they didn't know it's also a nickname for the penis.
Besides, most of the Richards I know go by Rick or Rich for that very reason.
He's gay. He likes dicks, so why not name him 'Dick.'
I know this isn't a comedy, but every time I read the name "Dick" I can't help giggling. The idea that they would name the main guy in a gay story "Dick" just strikes me as super silly.