A flock of rams identified as gay has been rescued from slaughter and their wool used in a New York fashion show, highlighting the natural occurrence of homosexuality in animals. The 35 sheep, raised on a farm in Westphalia, Germany, are part of the Rainbow Wool project, which buys them from breeders to prevent them from being killed for meat.
Farmer Michael Stücke, who is gay himself, said the rams show clear signs of same-sex attraction, such as cuddling and the 'flehmen response'—a behaviour typically linked to mating. 'They do this all the time, because they find each other attractive,' Stücke told the Guardian. The project, co-founded with Nadia Leytes, donates all profits to LGBTQ+ charities in Germany, including supporting people fleeing countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The wool from Stücke's flock was used by designer Michael Schmidt for a 36-piece knitwear collection, sponsored by the gay dating app Grindr. The show, held in New York, featured looks representing male archetypes such as a sailor and a leather daddy. Schmidt said the collection aimed to show that homosexuality is part of nature, countering the idea that it is a choice.
Research suggests up to 8% of male sheep are 'male-oriented', but many farmers view this unfavourably as rams are expected to breed. Stücke's farm now has a waiting list for gay rams, and individual sheep can be sponsored, with names including Wolli Wonka and Prince Wolliam. The wool is processed in Spain, and the project has gained attention for its ethical and creative approach.
