Rainbow Animals – homosexuality in the animal world
One sometimes hears arguments against human homosexuality on the grounds that it does not occur in nature among other animals. But is that really the case?What is truly natural? Rainbow Animals is the first exhibition in the world to address those questions within the framework of a fascinating new area of biological study.
The exhibition includes a selection of more than 1500 different species for which homosexual behaviour has been documented. With the help of photos, model figures, texts, and animals from the museum collections, visitors will receive fascinating insights into a field of study that has never previously been the subject of such a scientific exhibition. They will encounter swans, dolphins, giraffes and other animals among which homosexual behaviour is common.
Question of the week
Rainbow Animals is about homosexuality in the animal world. It is an exhibition that raises many questions, and perhaps strong reactions, as well. Take the opportunity to reflect, express an opinion and see what others think.
About the exhibition
Dates: 8 November 2008 through 3 May 2009.The exhibition is based to a large extent on the work of U.S. research biologist, Bruce Bagemihls, who spent nine years going through the scientific literature on the sexuality of animals. He found that homosexuality is widespread in the animal world and that it often involves life-long relationships, not just brief homosexual encounters.
Texts in English and Swedish.
Rainbow Animals is a travelling exhibition produced by the Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo, Norway.
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