A unique fashion line featuring wool from “gay sheep” made its debut this month at a New York City runway event, drawing attention to both animal and LGBTQ+ rights.
Los Angeles-based designer Michael Schmidt unveiled his 36-piece collection, titled “I Wool Survive,” at Manhattan’s Altman Building. The knitwear line was produced using wool sourced from what is being described as the world’s first flock of “gay sheep,” raised by German shepherd Michael Stücke.
Schmidt collaborated with the non-profit Rainbow Wool and LGBTQ+ dating platform Grindr for the collection, which blends activism with fashion. The project aims to raise awareness about animal welfare and challenge societal perceptions about homosexuality.
“It’s not just fashion — it’s a statement,” Schmidt told the New York Times, emphasizing that the line is more of an art project than a traditional clothing collection. “The idea is that homosexuality exists not only in humans, but in the animal world too.”
On many commercial farms, rams that do not mate with ewes are typically culled. Stücke, however, founded Rainbow Wool to rescue these non-mating animals, offering them sanctuary and a new purpose. Scientists estimate that up to 8% of rams display same-sex preferences — a statistic that inspired the initiative and led to the production of wool from these so-called “gay sheep.”
The runway collection featured a range of designs — from traditional knit polos to bold, gender-fluid pieces such as male mini skirts and toga-like garments. Each item is set to be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting LGBTQ+ charities.
Grindr’s Senior VP of Brand Marketing, Tristan Pineiro, called the project “a metaphor for how gay people are treated across the world,” saying the collaboration between Grindr and Rainbow Wool highlights resilience and the power of community.
“This proves that being gay is part of nature itself,” Stücke said. “The wool from these rams isn’t just fabric — it’s a message.”
The use of wool from “gay sheep” has sparked broader conversations about both animal rights and the natural existence of homosexuality, making “I Wool Survive” one of the most talked-about fashion showcases of the year.