Not interested in ewes: 'gay sheep' avoid slaughter and dominate a New York catwalk

When a ram arches its head back, curls its upper lip, and inhales deeplya behavior known in animal husbandry as the flehmen responseit is often a sign of sexual interest. Sheep possess a small sensory organ above the roof of their mouth, and this response helps detect pheromones in the environment. While rams typically display this behavior around ewes during mating season, Michael Stcke, a farmer in Westphalia, Germany, observed it happening constantly among his 35 male sheep.

They show affection toward each other. They cuddle, jump, and demonstrate attraction, Stcke explained. His farm has become home to what is believed to be the worlds first flock of exclusively gay rams. While studies suggest that up to 8% of rams are male-oriented, many farmers view homosexuality as undesirable, often sending rams who refuse to breed directly to slaughter.

To prevent this fate, Stcke and his partner Nadia Leytes launched Rainbow Wool, purchasing gay rams from breeders at prices higher than those offered by slaughterhouses, keeping them for their wool. The flock now totals 35 sheep, with a waiting list for sponsorship. Sheep like Wolli Wonka, Prince Wolliam, and Jean Woll Gaultier can be named and supported, and their wool is processed in Spain. All profits go to LGBTQ+ charities in Germany, helping both animals and people in countries where being gay is dangerous.

Identifying a gay ram requires observing behavior over time, Stcke noted. Rams that indiscriminately mount any other sheep are considered dominant, not gay. Only those consistently avoiding female partners are classified as preferring males.

The flock recently gained international attention when their wool was used in a knitwear collection by Michael Schmidt, showcased on a New York City runway. Sponsored by the gay dating app Grindr, the collection included 36 looks representing various male archetypesfrom Adam alone to a pizza delivery boy and a leather daddy. Schmidt described the project as an artistic statement: homosexuality exists in both humans and animals, underscoring that it is a natural phenomenon, not a choice.

Scientific studies, including research by biochemist Charles Roselli, support the presence of same-sex attraction in sheep, estimating that one in twelve rams exhibits male-oriented behavior. Rosellis findings, however, were once misrepresented in the media, sparking controversy.

While Rainbow Wool has faced minor criticism, including concerns that labeling animals as gay might impose human categories, Stcke continues to prioritize the safety of his flock, relocating them regularly due to online threats. Critics also highlight that mainstream farming imposes strict reproductive expectations, often with violence, on all animals.

Rainbow Wool currently focuses solely on male sheep, as identifying sexual preferences in female sheep is far more complex. Stcke acknowledges the ethical challenges in farming, recognizing that not all animals may want to be sheared or bred, and that human notions of consent and sexual orientation are difficult to apply to farmed animals.

For Stcke, caring for the flock carries personal and symbolic meaning. Having struggled with acceptance of his own identity, he sees protecting the gay rams as a metaphorical act of affirmation and resilience. Saving an animal living differently sends a strong message. It doesnt have to be a direct comparison to humans; its a metaphor, he said.

Author: Gavin Porter