Gay Animals on Parade
Homosexual behavior in nature, surely not? As our own cultural attitudes towards gay people relax scientists are increasingly more comfortable with revealing their findings that Mother Nature is pretty cool with it too. Here are ten animals that do the ‘wild thing’ with members of the same sex.
Gay Penguins
In Germany’s Bremerhaven zoo almost a third of the penguins have formed same sex relationships. So, when one pair of heterosexual Humboldt’s penguins adamantly refused to incubate their egg the keepers turned in despair to Z and Vielpunkt, two gay males in a relationship and with an obvious hankering for adoption. The egg has now successfully hatched and the pair is looking after the chick as if it were their own. Oblivious to the raging debate around gay humans and adoption they seem to be doing a very good job so far. Gay (or homosexual if you prefer the technical term) behavior in the animal kingdom is more common than many think or choose to believe. So, what other gay animals can we proudly put on parade?
Gay Giraffe
Another argument that has been raging has been the statistical fact that the majority of giraffe couplings are homosexual in nature. When observed in action, it seems that over ninety percent of mountings are between males. However, when the males come in to contact with females when they are in estrus then they invariably will go with them. This means, one can only suppose, that the majority of male giraffes are bisexual. It could be argued then that the gay behavior they exhibit is down to the fact that they are so constantly horny that they will go with each other when the females aren’t having any of it. Bisexuals, huh, nature or just plain and simple sexual greediness? Discuss…
Gay Dolphin
The Bottlenose Dolphin has long been shown to exhibit gay behavior. Male dolphins will regularly form lifelong pairings. When in their adolescence the males live in large same sex groups and gay activity is commonplace. Pairs will bond very closely and this often translates in to a lifelong pairing, exclusive to each other. Other male pairs will work together to follow a female, often for weeks. When she becomes sexually receptive then one of them will mate with her, then they will go their own male-male way again. These male couples are often observed engaging in pretty obvious (not to mention explicit) sexual play with each other. Scientists have argued that this homosexual behavior is vital and helps the species on an evolutionary basis. Those that play together, so it seems, stay together and when you are in a gang (even of two) then your chances of survival are so much higher.
Gay Snow Monkey
The Japanese Macaque, otherwise known as the Snow Monkey is best known for its habit of taking baths in the hot springs around its home habitat. The female monkeys, however, will form intense lesbian relationships that last for a few days to several months. It must be noted here that gay behavior has been noted in all of these animals mentioned in the wild, and has nothing to do with captive living, and apparently also has nothing to do with mates of the opposite sex being unavailable.
The Gay Seahorse
The Sea Life Aquariums of the UK did a survey in 2007 and discovered that their seahorse population was ‘promiscuous, flighty and more than a little bit gay’. They recorded over three thousand sexual encounters and discovered that thirty seven percent of them were between same sex seahorses. The Australian Big Bellied variety was way out in the lead in terms of being indiscriminate about with which gender it mated. Generally, the scientists discovered that the seahorses were truly shameless and indiscriminate creatures, but noted that as no survey has been done in the wild, they are unsure whether this behavioral pattern would be reproduced there.
Gay Flamingos
Carlos and Fernando are the names of two male flamingos that are resident at the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust in the UK. They have been together for eight years and first came out, as it were, in 2001. They surprised the park workers by engaging in the usual elaborate mating rituals of the species and have been inseparable since then. The boys have even raised chicks together, but they were not gifted to them in the manner of the Humboldts of Germany. Naughty old Carlos and Fernando stole the eggs from their straight neighbors. Notably, straight flamingos stay together for the mating season and then go their separate ways, choosing a new partner the year after. Carlos and Fernando are unique as their love has endured the passing of the years.
The Gay Bonobo
Unusual among apes, the Bonobo has a matriarchal society and is one of the few species that can be labeled fully bisexual. Both females and males will engage in hetero and homosexual behavior. More than sixty percent of Bonobo sexual activity will be between two or more females. They have the highest homosexual pairing frequency of any animal. It seems that sex is their answer to reduce the chance of conflict and it is thought that sex is used to diffuse tension and to divert attention from things that may result in fighting. Make love, not war!
The Gay Elephant
Both the African and Asian varieties of elephant will not think twice about gay bonding and sex. Accompanying these situations will be the hallmarks of heterosexual mating, such as kissing, intertwining of trunks (even to the extent of placing them in each other’s mouths) and rubbing of the trunks along the back, indicating the desire to mount which precedes the act itself. In the wild male elephants that live away from the herd will form companionships, usually an older male will befriend a few younger ones. These companionships are much more than just two buddies sharing a dorm, the older elephant will regularly initiate sex with the younger ones. When elephants engage in heterosexual mating the coupling is fleeting but the male buddies will often stay with each other for many years. In captivity elephants have been noted as engaging in same sex activity in forty five percent of sexual pairings.
The Gay Dragonfly
It is really quite difficult to tell what the gender of dragonflies is while they are in coitus but male homosexuality between dragonflies has been inferred by scientists. The proof is in the damage that is inflicted during sex. The male has a set of cloacal pincers and this damages the head of the female during sex in a uniquely characteristic way. When eleven species of damselfly and dragonfly were closely studied, between twenty and eighty percent (depending on the species) of the males showed the same sort of damage that could only have been inflicted during coitus with another ‘fly of the same gender.
The Gay American Bison
They will court, they will mount and they will penetrate. The American Bison is well known for bull on bull action and this behavior is even celebrated by the Mandan Nation of American Originals. Their Okipa festival finishes with a re-enactment (ceremonial only!) of this behavior. The reason for doing this is to make sure that the buffalo returns the next Spring. The Lakota Nation calls them pte winkte. The pte means bison and the winkte means two spirits. This forms a connection and cultural parallel between the bison and the transgender people that have, historically, been welcome among the tribes.
There are many more examples of gay animals on parade in nature, so many in fact that a whole book could be devoted to them, let alone an online article.
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40 Responses to “Gay Animals on Parade”
On June 7, 2009 at 2:06 am
Bravo! this is a very intelligent article. Fortunately, times have changed, and I hope today nobody has anything against the gays! (well, it depends where you are, of course…)
On June 7, 2009 at 2:06 am
Maybe it is indeed true that man mimics nature. All the technolgy developed having been inspired by nature and lately the origin of unusual behavior. Nice article.
On June 7, 2009 at 2:07 am
Nice read, thanks.
On June 7, 2009 at 7:36 am
Interesting article.
On June 7, 2009 at 8:12 am
It proves it is natural
On June 7, 2009 at 9:17 am
Very interesting!
On June 7, 2009 at 10:29 am
I have long beleived it was natural, and shame on those who say they bash it because of religion.
On June 7, 2009 at 10:34 am
Well written and well researched. Thanks for sharing.
On June 7, 2009 at 10:42 am
Awe… thats nice.. gay animal love…
I gotta remember this for next valentines day.
On June 7, 2009 at 8:37 pm
If human beings want to act like animals they will. But that doesn’t make it right! God’s word tells us that homosexuality is wrong for humans. Christians still should not hate homosexuals though, but show them God’s love and a better way of life. Aids is bad enough without us adding to the problem.
On June 7, 2009 at 9:11 pm
The overwhelming majority of people who have AIDS in this world are heterosexuals. AIDS is spread by having unprotected relations with an infected person: which has nothing to do with a monogamous gay couple. The majority of gay males aren’t infected & AIDS as an argument against lesbianism is even less valid.
Why should everyone in the world live according to your religion: the fact that there are gay animals shows that homosexuality does occur in nature & I don’t see God condemning something He made.
On June 7, 2009 at 9:29 pm
…forgot to say: nice work RJ: funny, informative and it does helps us straight people see that gays aren’t freaks of nature…although “the gay flamingo” sounds like the name of some gaudy nightclub…
On June 7, 2009 at 10:33 pm
…is that it shows that homosexuality transcends time AND nature. it isn’t just something that has cropped up with “degenerate societies” or any one time period.
We’re like the poor–we’ll be with you always.
Mo Rage
http://www.moravings.blogspot.com
On June 7, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Interesting topic,when the lions take over the pack to kill the pups, this shows us that all animal behaviors are not in keeping with human behaviors.
On June 8, 2009 at 1:51 am
Very cool! I really thought this was interesting. Too many people are so absorbed by the idea that GOD wouldn’t want humans to be homosexual,and that is just ridiculous! This just proves that it is natural and that it happens in nature without the idea that it is somehow wrong or twisted or perverted. Animals do what they want to,and we are animals as well. Therefore,we should be able to live as we want to!!!
On June 8, 2009 at 9:19 am
interesting. well researched & nicly presented.
On June 8, 2009 at 10:15 am
Not to be rude but you must be realy having a time with being gay. And knowing that it is a against God and all. My reason for this is that you would choose to write a story about gay animals to justify that being a homesexual or lesbian is ok. That in its self tells me your insacure with your own practice of sexuality. You could have just said I’m gay, and that you believe its ok. But to liberate yourself with the claim. (queer monkeys and gay penguins as a indorsment). Its pure perversion. Your writting is great and the pictures of all your gay friends are great to. Other than that I’m sorry that you choose the closet approach.
On June 8, 2009 at 10:52 am
@ icanfixthat
WTF? I’m not even going to waste my time with your comment further than the full stop after this letter e.
On June 9, 2009 at 1:05 am
Very entertaining and interesting article, RJ. However, the gay bison “bull on bull action” bit is gonna give me nightmares, I just know it.
On June 9, 2009 at 1:31 am
RJ,
This was a unique and interesting article. It only serves to remind us that despite whether we agree with the sexuality of others, it is still their business who they want to get busy with. I will remind my fellow Christians that judgment is Gods alone!
On June 9, 2009 at 1:42 am
Fascinating article!! I learned a lot ….
On June 9, 2009 at 2:09 am
I was riveted! This article was researched and well developed. Bravo!
~God loves everyone; so should you.~
On June 9, 2009 at 2:11 am
Loved the article RJ!
There are also other animals that take part in homosexual behavior. Male dogs, often, hump other male dogs.
Icanfixthat
Your remarks are rude and uncalled for. Maybe in the future you should think before you write anything such as that silly crap! If you don’t like the article then say so; but to accuse someone as being gay because they wrote an article on homosexual display between animals is outlandish! Your remarks should be directed at the article itself and never, ever, should you leave any disparaging remarks about anyone, no-matter what your beliefs, especially when it is based solely on the speculation of an article!
On June 9, 2009 at 5:33 am
I’ve seen gay cows and gay dogs but sea horses? Actually seahorses I believe are the only species than males can and do reproduce offspring for a loss of better words, so in terms of evolution…. same sex marriages may become a necessity!
On June 9, 2009 at 7:13 am
Huh – who would have thought – that was a very well put together article dude. A great read.
On June 9, 2009 at 11:44 am
As an article it is fascinating.
You could argue that homosexual behaviour in animals proves that homosexuality is a natural act, as many people reading this have. Alternatively you could argue that this is what separates us from the animals. In the same way that we don’t throw excrement at each other when angry. Perhaps animals are more horny than they are intelligent. Sex of course being a method of propagation of a species with “love” an enjoyable chemical side effect (otherwise why would we do it).
No doubt my comment will be interpreted as homophobic, I assure you this is not the case, I am very comfortable with my sexuality and the differing sexuality of others. What I am trying to say is that people will always find a way of justifying their actions and, I ask you, for what reason?!
Who cares!
Enjoy your own life and live it how you want.
On June 9, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I find this article to be a fantastic view about nature and species. People have forgotten that nature does evolve without the assistance of God or the Gods. People have also forgotten that there are certain species that are able to change sex when it’s necessary.
On June 10, 2009 at 8:03 am
Nicely written and researched
On June 11, 2009 at 10:51 am
Gay behaviour is naturally animalistic behaviour, so they actually started before human gays, we just did not notice.
our bilogical bodies were built for compliment, to fit, not the other way round.
being gay still sucks.
On June 13, 2009 at 11:22 am
Animals don’t know any better. They’re animals. Humans should know the difference is self evident and stop putting square pegs in round holes.
On June 15, 2009 at 10:02 am
Dude, that is beyond the norm. Nice read!
On June 15, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Awesome article. Very enlightening. Love your writing style.
On June 15, 2009 at 6:45 pm
That’s one in the eye for those who say it’s “nurture not nature”! Great work, as usual.
On June 16, 2009 at 11:41 am
This are just opinions not facts. Humans are the only animals that have gayness in them. I have nothing against gay people, I just personal think that this entire article is wishful thinking.
On June 16, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Delightful article with fine pictures.
My comment has nothing to do with this article or the brilliant author, R J Evans, but can’t resist saying this!
We have an ultra religious neighbour couple, who terrorize everyone with their meanness. They have a gay son, a lesbian daughter (not on speaking terms with the parents anymore after coming out) and another straight daughter (twice divorced). Recently, to their horror, their male dog was “caught” having sex with another male dog. Talk of poetic justice!
On June 18, 2009 at 4:42 pm
A very edifying read, since I had previously thought that homosexual behavior happened only when animals were removed from their natural habitat and crammed into zoos.
To icanfixthat: as a psychologist I might be able to work on your homophobia (for a price), You would balk at my hourly rate, so do something less pricey but also therapeutic: get yourself a dictionary. RB
On July 16, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Wow! What a great article. I’ve had guinea pigs that displayed gay behaviour. I had two boars that fell in love and adored each other.
I love you pictures and posts. Thanks for sharing.
Animals are so innocent. What does that tell us about life and homosexuality? Live and let live.
Trish.
On October 12, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Imagine these religious people…They worship a God that has no mate and the son of God whose best loved person was not a woman but a man.
On October 28, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Natures way of handling over population…
…the percentages of homosexual men have increased over the years as the amount of damage we have done to the earth increases due to over population ( and stupidity ). All thing seem to balance themselves out in nature.
On October 31, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Well, yours was better written… I hadn’t seen it (or I wouldn’t have written mine) but we took a slightly different angle so I guess it doesn’t matter. I enjoyed annoying those preachy American Christians, hehehe.
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