Which of Nature’s Queer Icons Are You?
Nature is delightfully diverse, showing us a rainbow of examples throughout the animal kingdom. Over 1500 animal species engage in same-sex sexual behavior, which scientists believe helps to maintain the health of a species’ population.
It's not just about sexual behavior, but also the many ways gender is expressed and roles are played out. It's a beautiful reminder that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are natural, shaking up the notion that only heterosexuality and binary gender are the norm.
The plant kingdom also offers beautiful examples of diversity and non-binary expressions of gender. Many plants are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. This allows them to self-pollinate and produce offspring without the need for a separate plant.
The astounding variety in nature reinforces that diversity isn't just normal—it's essential for the survival and wellbeing of many species.
Below are just 10 iconic examples of queerness found in nature and an archetypal way to relate to each of them. Go ahead and spin our wheel below and then scroll down to read all about these icons!
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The Iconic Trans Clownfish Matriarchy Queen
You are the iconic Trans Clownfish Matriarchy Queen! Groups of clownfish are led by a female, while the second-in-command fish is male. When the leader dies, the next-in-line male changes into a female in order to become the leader. The tightly maintained hierarchy helps to avoid conflict and facilitate a healthy life.
Like the Trans Clownfish Matriarchy Queen, you are a peaceful leader who is also comfy playing a supporting role. You selflessly release toxic male energy and value the divine feminine, which benefits all who surround you. People love you because you’ve lived many lives and have empathy for all. You ascended to the the throne for the right reasons: your community, not personal gain. But baby, you run that matriarchy with Big Fish Energy!!
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The Iconic Lesbian Albatross
You are the iconic Lesbian Albatross! Welcome to Oahu, Hawaii, the Dinah Shore for the Laysan Albatross where over a third of the nesting pairs are female. These birds symbolize monogamy and dedication, mating for life and sharing parenting duties. These clever couples use a male albatross as a sperm donor before raising the chick together, alternating between foraging missions as far north as Alaska, and staying at home to guard the nest.
Like the Lesbian Albatross, your dedication to your family, teamwork, and nurturing instincts are unparalleled. You embody innovation, patience, commitment, and protection. You're willing to go the extra mile, even if it means flying to the ends of the earth.
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The Iconic Dedicated Gay Penguin Dads Sphen & Magic!
You are Sphen and Magic or “Sphengic,” two male Gentoo penguins at an Australian Aquarium who rose to queer fame when they became nesting partners! During breeding season, the pair created a stone nest described by the zookeepers as the “neatest and largest in the colony.” After showing how committed they were to a trial period with a dummy "egg," they were given the chance to nurture a real one. The two swapped incubating duties daily until the egg successfully hatched. They were remarkable dads, and two years later, they did it all again!
Like Sphengic, you are dedicated, nurturing, family-oriented, persistent, and goal-driven. You pull your own weight in your relationships, keep a fabulous home, you’re willing to jump through hoops to get what you want, and you easily pass any test life (and society) throws at you.
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The Iconic Intersex Strawberry
You are the iconic Intersex Strawberry! Along with countless others in the Plant Queendom including apple, pear, cherry, & olive trees, peas, peppers and tomatoes, the strawberry plant is intersex, meaning its flowers contain both the male (stamens) and female (pistils) floral organs. Not only that but they are autogamous or self-fruiting. Strawberries are capable of pollinating themselves, so they do not require a pollination partner.
Like the intersex strawberry, you are the total package! You already possess everything you need to live a happy, healthy, productive life. You value your alone time, you are incredibly sweet, and of course very very fruity.
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The Iconic Nonbinary S. Commune Mushroom
You are the iconic Non-Binary S. Commune Mushroom! This fungi is shattering the gender binary by embracing and embodying aaalllllllll the sexes. S. Commune is a white, fan-shaped mushroom with more than 23,000 different sexual identities. This extreme gender diversity has been incredibly helpful evolutionarily as it enables this little mushroom to mate with almost every individual of their species it meets.
Like S. Commune you absolutely cannot be labeled and are highly evolved, way beyond the binary. You are unique innovator, a visionary, and as individual as they come. You don’t just survive, you thrive. Literally everyone loves you and you love them right back. You do what you want, when you want to, and with whomever you want to do it with and at the end of the day, you’re just a really fungi.
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Jonathan the Iconic Gay Tortoise
You are Jonathan, the Iconic Gay Tortoise! At 191 years young, Jonathan is the Oldest Living Land Animal on Earth. He is also a huge homo. For over 3 decades his caretakers believed the love of his life to be another tortoise named Frederica. However, during a medical procedure they discovered Frederica was actually Fred! Jon’s favorite past times are sleeping in the sun when it’s cold, sleeping in the mud when it’s hot, eating, and mating with Fred. He also loves spending time with his humans.
Like Jonathan, you enjoy life’s simple pleasures…eating, sleeping, staying regulated, and doing things that feel really good! You are unfazed by others’ opinions because you know exactly who you are. You enjoy socializing, prefer a slow pace, and are destined to live a long, healthy, and very happy life. You like to take things slow, and you will live a long, healthy, and very happy life.
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The Iconic Bushtit Polycule
You are the iconic Bushtit Polycule! Bushtits are tiny birds known for their adorably unique nesting behavior. They have helpers, usually adult males, who assist in building the stretchy, tube-sock-shaped nest and raising the nestlings. The entire Bushtit family, including the helpers, sleeps together in their hanging nest, cuddling to keep everyone warm.
Just like the Bushtit polycule, family and friends are your world. You understand that it takes a village to accomplish anything, and you're always eager to lend a hand. You are cooperative, community-minded, creative, unique, and you really love to snuggle.
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The Iconic Bisexual Bromantic Bottlenose Dolphin
You are the iconic Bisexual Bromantic Bottlenose Dolphin! Male bottlenose dolphins often form life-long friendships with other males known as “male pair bonds.” They do everything together like hunting, playing, migrating, and engaging in spicy time with each other. These bisexual besties with bennies also serve as wingmen when it comes to the ladies. Their deep bond is appealing to females who see it as a sign of strength and stability, and these bi-boys never turn down a chance to mate with interested females.
Like the Bisexual Bottlenose Dolphin, you are a friend for life. You sometimes blur the lines when it comes to falling for your friends, but you’ve always got your bestie’s back. You’re a true and loyal teammate who is down for whatever, especially when it comes to spicy time. You are the perfect mix of strong and stable yet silly and playful. You know life is meant to be enjoyed and you always make the most of it!
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The Iconic Asexual Seastar!
You are the iconic Asexual Seastar! Seastars are incredible asexual creatures who have a knack for regeneration. If they are ever injured and lose a limb, not only will they regrow the lost limb, but the lost limb will regrow a whole new seastar! Even when these invertebrates *want* to reproduce, they do it in the most asexual way; through a process called spawning where they gather in groups, release millions of eggs and sperm into the ocean and hope for the best.
Like the asexual seastar, you are an autonomous being. You are on a path of major growth and healing! You don’t dwell on what you may have lost, rather you use past hurts to help you grow into a new and improved you. Nothing can keep you down. Although there are tons of people you love to be around, you are always quite happy just doing your own thing.
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The Iconic Bisexual Bonobo Babes
Bonobos share almost 99% of their DNA with humans, and their societies are led by a group of sexually connected females. Most bonobos are bisexual, and scientists believe that their sexual relationships maintain harmony among the group.
Just like the Bisexual Bonobo Babes, you embrace a life of harmony and connection. Your leadership skills, much like the female-led societies of bonobos, are admired by those around you. You are open-minded and accepting, and your inherent ability to maintain peace and foster relationships means you’ll be surrounded by your favorite people throughout your life.