Queer Nature: A Scientific Perspective

In this special Pride Month episode, Gabrielle explores the fascinating world of queerness in nature. From same-sex penguin pairs in New York to gender-changing clownfish in coral reefs, nature has always been more diverse, adaptable, and surprising than human categories suggest. Drawing on over 600 years of scientific observation, this episode takes listeners on a global journey through the history of animal research, challenges long-held myths, and reflects on what science teaches us about identity and diversity today.

3 Things Listeners Will Learn:

How scientists from Aristotle to today have observed same-sex and gender-diverse behaviors in animals.

Why queerness in nature offers evolutionary advantages, from social bonding to population resilience.

How modern research is reshaping our understanding of sexual and gender diversity across species.

Resources & References

Evolution's Rainbow by Joan Roughgarden

Biological Exuberance by Bruce Bagemihl

Sexual Selections: What We Can and Can’t Learn About Sex from Animals by Marlene Zuk

Scientific American: “Bisexual Species: Unorthodox Sex in the Animal Kingdom”

National Wildlife Federation: "Same-Sex Behavior Among Animals Isn’t New. Science Is Finally Catching Up"

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Selections from:
The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Now You Are Here by Sergey Cheremisiniv
Eternal Love by Kris Keypovsky
A Journey Beyond by Christian Bodhi

Until next time, carpe diem!