‘Gay’ sheep wool used to create couture fashion — because homosexuality ‘is part of nature’, designer claims

On Nov. 13, Los Angeles designer Michael Schmidt unveiled “I Wool Survive,” a 36-piece knitwear collection created using wool from what has been described as the world’s first flock of “gay sheep” in Germany. Traditionally, farms often cull rams that will not mate with ewes. Schmidt said that reality motivated him to spotlight an animal-rights issue while giving the non-mating rams a new purpose.

Scientists estimate that roughly 8% of rams show attraction to other males, a statistic that inspired German farmer Michael Stücke to create Rainbow Wool, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing these rams and using their wool.

Schmidt partnered with Rainbow Wool and the LGBTQ dating app Grindr to bring the collection to Manhattan’s Altman Building. He emphasized, however, that the event was not meant to be a typical fashion show.

A box of wool with a note that reads "Rainbowwool" and hands pulling some of the wool. — Michael Stücke founded Rainbow Wool, a non-profit entirely focused on the wool of gay sheep and rescuing non-mating sheep. dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images

A man with glasses and a gray hoodie petting a sheep in a herd. — Scientists have estimated that as many as 8% of rams are sexually oriented toward other males. dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images

“It’s an animal-rights story,” Schmidt told the New York Times. “And it’s a human-rights story. I don’t really see this as fashion — it’s an art project. It’s meant to sell an idea, not just clothing.”
That idea, he said, is that homosexuality exists naturally in the animal kingdom as well as in humans, countering the belief that being gay is a matter of choice.

Tristan Pineiro, Grindr’s senior vice president for brand marketing and communications, said, “You can’t say the sheep were corrupted by woke culture.”

A model in a chainmail-like tunic, hood, sword, shield, and flail walks a runway. — The line was created with wool from the world’s “first flock of gay sheep” in Germany. Randy Brooke

A model in a knit crop top jersey with "ea" on the front, briefs, white knee-high socks, and wristbands, holding a knit football. — The fashion line is called “I Wool Survive.” Randy Brooke

A male model on a runway wearing yellow knitted shorts with orange reflective strips, red suspenders, and black boots, holding a knitted axe and a helmet. — The line features a knitwear collection by celebrity designer Michael Schmidt. Randy Brooke

A male model walks down a runway wearing a blue knitted romper, a cap, and black boots, holding a red knitted object. — Each piece, from traditional polos to male mini skirts, “reimagines gay identity” and will be auctioned to benefit LGBTQ+ causes. Randy Brooke

The collection ranges from traditional polos to male mini-skirts, each designed to “reimagine gay identity.” All pieces will be auctioned off to support LGBTQ+ organizations. “I really wanted to lean into the gay,” Schmidt added.

Pineiro noted that the collaboration also serves as a broader metaphor. “Rainbow Wool’s story mirrors the experience of so many LGBTQ+ people — cast aside for being different, yet able to thrive through community. Together, we’re showing how connection can turn exclusion into celebration.”

Stücke said the project reinforces one central point: “This collection proves that being gay is part of nature itself. The wool from these rams isn’t just material — it’s a message from animals who live freely and are loved.”

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