Intro
In the “Radiolab” podcast episode titled “The Seagulls,” the hosts explore the fascinating world of same-sex pairing in seagulls and other animal species. They delve into the history, scientific beliefs, and societal implications surrounding homosexuality in the animal kingdom. The episode challenges long-held misconceptions and sheds light on the naturalness and diversity of sexual behaviors in nature.
Main Takeaways
Same-Sex Pairing in Seagulls
- Anthropologist observes mating season in a go colony, where males make a distinct quacking sound to attract females
- Female rejection is clear, as she walks away from the male
- One in ten nests on the island have way more eggs than usual, up to six instead of the usual two or three
- Researchers suspect something is causing the birds to produce extra eggs and trap and dissect a couple from a nest with many eggs
- The birds turned out to be two females, leading to the discovery of same-sex pairing in the species
- Female-female pairing discovered in wild animal species
- 10% of nests on Santa Barbara Island had two moms
- Female birds incubate eggs and take turns feeding chicks
- Discovery challenged scientific establishment’s belief that homosexuality is not natural in animal kingdom
Historical and Cultural Perspectives
- Belief traced back to philosopher priest Thomas Aquinas in 1200s, spread to Western Europe and embedded in science during 17th and 18th century
- Darwin’s theory of evolution further supported idea that homosexuality shouldn’t exist in nature
- Language used to describe same-sex mating in animals was often derogatory (perversion, aberration, abomination)
- George and Molly’s research on female-female pairing in seagulls was rejected by the Ornithological Journal
- The research was finally published in the journal Science in 1977, causing a media frenzy
- The paper challenged the belief that homosexuality was a crime against nature, which was still used to justify criminalization in many countries
- Anita Bryant, a pop singer and evangelical Christian, mobilized people against gay rights and used the argument that homosexuality was against nature, even among animals
- Congress held up the NSF budget over George’s work on homosexuality
- Public opinion on the morality of gay relationships has changed drastically in the last few decades
Diversity of Same-Sex Mating in Animals
- The seagull study ushered in a flood of queer animals in scientific records
- Queer animals include hoofed animals, primates, and even the Amazon River dolphin
- The New Mexico Whiptail Lizard is an all-female species that simulates copulation with each other to increase fertility and reproduces asexually, producing genetically diverse offspring
- Same-sex mating has evolutionary benefits, including strengthening social bonds, resolving conflicts, and increasing the survival rate of offspring
- Same-sex mating can also create all-male societies, such as velvet horns in white-tailed deer, that take in orphaned fawns and protect them
- Queerness is not an anomaly but our heritage as animals, and finding belonging in nature can be dangerous
Societal Implications and LGBTQ+ Rights
- Chemicals like DDT in the 70s were more toxic to male birds, causing a lack of males on an island
- Females primed to mate will mate with the best prospect available, leading to female-female pairings
- Once DDT was banned, the male population rebounded and female-female pairings stopped
- Animals have been key to understanding the naturalness of homosexuality in nature
- Gay animal stories can provide reassurance to queer individuals and families
- Discriminatory practices still exist for LGBTQ+ families, such as adoption processes and birth certificates
- There is a fear and stigma surrounding queer individuals and their ability to parent
- LGBTQ+ individuals should not have to prove their worth by existing in nature, but rather be acknowledged as equal beings
Additional Resources
- Breaking Green Sealings podcast amplifies underheard voices in Nature and Ecology
- Queer Ducks and other animals by Elliott Shreffer is a great read for those interested in the science of queerness in nature
- Radio Lab has a membership program called The Lab, and members can get an embroidered patch of the gay seagulls designed by StaffJer at Bartman
Summary
Same-Sex Pairing Challenges Scientific Beliefs
The discovery of same-sex pairing in seagulls on Santa Barbara Island challenged the long-held belief that homosexuality is not natural in the animal kingdom. Researchers observed female-female pairing, incubation of eggs, and shared parental responsibilities, highlighting the diversity of mating behaviors in animals.
Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Homosexuality
The historical and cultural perspectives on homosexuality shaped scientific beliefs and societal attitudes. Language used to describe same-sex mating in animals was often derogatory, and research on same-sex pairing faced rejection and opposition. However, the publication of the seagull study in 1977 sparked a shift in public opinion and challenged the criminalization of homosexuality.
Diversity of Same-Sex Mating in Animals
The study of queer animals goes beyond seagulls and encompasses various species, including hoofed animals, primates, and even the Amazon River dolphin. Same-sex mating has evolutionary benefits, such as strengthening social bonds and increasing offspring survival rates. It can also lead to the formation of unique social structures, like all-male societies that protect orphaned young.
Societal Implications and LGBTQ+ Rights
The understanding of same-sex mating in animals provides insights into the naturalness of homosexuality. However, discriminatory practices and stigmas still exist for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. It is important to recognize LGBTQ+ rights and equality without relying on nature as validation.
Conclusion
The “Radiolab” podcast episode “The Seagulls” explores the fascinating world of same-sex pairing in seagulls and other animals. It challenges long-held beliefs, highlights the diversity of sexual behaviors in nature, and emphasizes the importance of LGBTQ+ rights and equality. By understanding and appreciating the naturalness of queerness in animals, we can foster a more inclusive society.
