In a heartwarming news story that sounds almost too fabulous to be true, a picturesque farm in Löhne, Germany, is home to the world’s first flock of openly gay sheep, and their wool is making quite the statement.
Say hello to Rainbow Wool, the fashion brand that’s spinning a new narrative for queer visibility, animal welfare and sustainable fashion, all from the backs of some very special and totally queer rams.
Shepherd Michael Stücke and his husband are rewriting the rules of sheep farming. A fact that is not well known: traditionally, rams that show no interest in ewes — apparently about one in twelve, according to studies — are deemed unsuitable and are sadly sent to slaughter. But Stücke, a proud member of Germany’s Gayfarmer Network, saw an opportunity to save these ‘gay’ rams from an untimely end and give them a new, meaningful life.
One in twelve rams are gay — but most never get the chance to live freely. In Germany, 21 rescued rams are rewriting that story. Their wool now powers Rainbow Wool, a queer fashion brand supporting LGBTIQ+ projects worldwide.
With the help of a PR-savvy friend, Stücke rescued 21 gay rams, creating what his company Rainbow Wool calls the “World’s First Gay Flock of Sheep”. These woolly queers now graze freely, their lives spared and transformed into a powerful symbol of love, kindness and freedom.
Rainbow Wool’s collection is as unique as its origins. The rescued rams are shorn on-site, and their wool is spun into limited-edition fashion items, including beanies, scarves, pride patches, shoelaces and thread for sewing.
However, the real value extends beyond the products, with proceeds from sales supporting LGBTIQ+ projects worldwide. The brand is adamant about avoiding ‘rainbow washing’ — the superficial use of queer imagery for profit — insisting that its mission is about genuine animal welfare, advocacy and community support.
When many people work together, bringing different perspectives and ideas with them, a project can go a long way. — Shepherd Michael Stücke
You can also adopt one of the gay rams. With fun iconic names like Marvin Gay, Willy Wonka, Cowboy Joey and Karl (pictured) it’s hard to resist! Donations help ensure that the sheep live out their days in peace, are cared for, and are celebrated rather than being cast aside.
Here in Australia — a country well known for its sheep farming — a gay ram’s story is much the same: exhibiting exclusively same-sex preferences results in an untimely death. While, on occasion, some individuals do rescue these rams, there is currently no sanctuary for the thousands of queer sheep here in Oz. Here’s hoping that may change in the future. The story of Rainbow Wool is truly a unique celebration of love, queer furry joy, animal rights and creative activism.
For more details visit rainbow-wool.de
