Issue 121 - June 2025

What Can Whales Tell Us About Human Queer Identities?

A lot of the time, we humans like to consider ourselves unique, evolved, and somewhat separate from our animal cousins. We, however, have a lot more in common than we think. While our culture has historically had a negative attitude towards homosexuality, for over 1,500 species of animal, homosexual behavior is natural. Cetaceans (i.e., whales, dolphins, and porpoises) in particular have been recorded expressing an entire spectrum of queer behaviors. This group of species are considered more emotionally intelligent than humans, suggesting that their thoughts and emotions are more complex and developed than our own. Which leads to the question – what can whales tell us about human queer identities?

The Anti-Nuclear Family

While the Spice Girls may have coined the term Girl Power in the late 1990s, whales have been living this slogan since time immemorial. A society led by ‘single’ females is one that may be unconventional to us yet is traditional beneath the waves. Matrilineal social structures, where females are head of the family and a male’s main contribution is reproduction, is standard across many species of cetacean. Back when Northern Resident killer whale C1 (Namu) was accidentally captured in nets in British Columbia in the 1960s, and subsequently transported to Seattle aquarium in a floating sea pen, the media considered the whales following Namu to be his wife and children. In fact, these whales were his mom and siblings. Some of the first people to study killer whales also thought that pods were led by the largest male in the group (i.e., patriarchal), when in fact these males are in fact largely dependent on their moms for their whole lives. Whale families are more akin to human family structures led by single moms, lesbian moms, or moms raising their kids with a village of family and friends. There is something to be said about the world’s most emotionally evolved species being led by females.

A matrilineal group of killer whales, including a calf, swimming closely together in coastal waters. — *Members of the T049A matriline. Left to right: T049A (matriarch), T049A4 (fourth offspring of T049A), and T049A3 (third offspring of T049A). Credit: Chloe Robinson.*

‘Bromances’ and ‘Gal Pals’

As a lesbian, I have been victim of the ‘friends’ or ‘sisters’ generalization when my wife and I are doing something as basic as renewing our health cards or going out for dinner. This human bias also translates to the underwater world of whales. Killer whales typically stay with their moms their whole lives, but sometimes, male whales are seen outside of their immediate family group. There are instances of two or more male, adult killer whales travelling and associating with each other for years, like shark-eating Port with Starboard off South Africa, T128 (Flotsam) with T125A (Jetsam) in the Northeast Pacific, and W001 (John Coe) with W008 (Aquarius) off the west coast of Scotland. Whether these whales are together through circumstance (i.e., roommates) or more (i.e., lovers), these associations are typically labelled ‘brothers’ or ‘friends’. Similarly, female sperm whales are considered to form life-long friendships with other females. They are even known to share the equivalent of ‘inside jokes’ through unique dialects across generations, redefining our human standards of BFFs. As this species is deep diving, we as humans only get to observe this species for the brief moments they are at the surface, meaning there could be a lot more going on between these besties than meets the eye.

A lone male killer whale with a tall dorsal fin gliding through calm gray waters. — *T125A (Jetsam) who is seen travelling with suspected brother/friend/maybe lover T128 (Flotsam). Credit: Ocean Wise MML-18.*

From assumptions to observations, whilst captivity limits the ability of whales to exhibit natural behaviors, it’s one benefit is the ability to observe whales up close and personal – for science. Lesbian sex between killer whales has been observed in captivity, and whilst the reason behind this behavior is not 100% confirmed, some scientists have suggested that same-sex genital contact in female dolphins is driven by their ability to feel pleasure via their evolved clitorises. Females however are not alone in this. Homosexual behaviors are more commonly observed between male whales (maybe because it is more obvious…). In western Australia, male bottlenose dolphins regularly take part in sexual contact with other males to strengthen long-term alliances and maintain social structure. Bottlenose dolphins off western UK waters have also been reported to exhibit similar behavior. Dolphins, however, are not alone in this. Humpback whales were in the news recently for exhibiting the same behavior off the coast of Hawaii. The first time that sex between two humpback whales was photographed and it happened to be between two male whales. Similarly, male killer whale ‘bachelor’ groups have been observed rubbing body parts together, including their “sea snakes”. Whilst we can only attribute physical sexual observations to whales due to the limitations of field research and our understanding, it is possible that whales exhibit more than sexually-driven attraction for the same-sex. Female humpback whales have previously been recorded singing (usually a trait exclusive to male whales) during the breeding season. Whether this is because the whale wanted to deter nearby male whales, attract a female, or because the whale identified as a male – we will never know.

Two dolphins swimming just below the surface of crystal-clear waters near a rocky coastline. — *Bottlenose dolphins engaging in sexual contact in Cardigan Bay (UK). Credit: Katrin Lohrengel/Sea Watch Foundation.*

It’s in Their DNA

An important part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ rainbow includes the ‘I’ – intersex individuals. As well as being born with sex characteristics that are not “typical” for male or female bodies, they are also more likely to identify as queer than non-intersex people. For humans, there is a general lack of research for intersex-identifying individuals, so it is no surprise that there is similarly an incomplete understanding in the world of whales. One of the earliest observations in cetaceans was of an intersex fin whale back in the 1960s, and in recent years, there have been numerous additional observations of wild intersex whales including common dolphins, beaked whales, beluga whales, and southern right whales. The era of DNA-based assessment of whales has driven the discovery of intersex individuals, showing that in cetaceans, intersex is more common than historically thought. Suites of DNA tests, when used in parallel, essentially show that XXY or XYY are possible variations of sex chromosomes instead of being considered ‘anomalies’ through a heteronormative lens. In my own research, we use these exact tools to try and figure out the sex of wild whales from the DNA they leave behind in their ‘wake’ – i.e., flukeprints. While this approach can tell us if the DNA signature is male or female (sometimes with ambiguous results), I am often left wondering how the animals perceive and identify themselves. Lastly, in the whale research world, if we do not know the sex of a whale we are monitoring, most refer to them as they/them – the singular pronoun. Gender-neutral pronouns exist in the animal world as they do in the human world and using them is really not that difficult.

A common dolphin mid-leap out of the ocean, with visible water spray and sunlight on its sleek body. — *Common dolphins are one example of a cetacean species with reported intersex individuals. Credit: Chloe Robinson/Sea Watch Foundation.*

So, there it is. A light-hearted look at the queer lives of whales and how it makes us think more about what it means to be in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I of course caveat with the above as daring to look through a non-heteronormative lens (at the risk of anthropomorphizing), to get you thinking about how our queer identities are not all that different from our animal cousins. In fact, it is natural and should be celebrated as part of the diversity of life.

About the Author

Dr. Chloe Robinson smiling indoors, wearing an Ocean Wise sweatshirt with a vibrant backdrop.

Dr. Chloe Robinson (she/they) is a scientist, conservationist, and science communicator. She currently holds the position of Advisor & Technical Lead for the Whales Initiative at Ocean Wise, where she leads conservation programs aimed at protecting vulnerable whale species. As a scientist, they primarily focus on developing and implementing environmental DNA-based approaches for closing data gaps on whales and their prey, having published 25+ peer-reviewed articles on the application of non-invasive methods for monitoring biodiversity. As a conservationist, she leads the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS), which reduces the risk of ship strike for large whale species across the west coast of North America. As a science communicator, she has won awards for their contributions to public engagement and science dissemination. She identifies as a gender non-conforming lesbian and a passionate advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in science. They have spearheaded initiatives such as a workshop series at the University of Guelph to increase 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility in STEM, a Pride seminar series at Swansea University, and the annual Big Gay Whale Watch on Vancouver Island. Chloe considers themself lucky to be an uninvited settler living, working, and playing on traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples (“Victoria’, Canada), where she lives with their wife, son, cats, and many whale neighbours.

Art & Culture

Young Changemakers Unite at the UN to Forge a Sustainable Future for Humanity

Young girl gazing at the UN headquarters lawn from a window, trees and city buildings in view. — Alexa Charouhis looking out over the United Nations lawn before the ECOSOC Youth Forum begins.

Alexa posing with a suited diplomat in front of ECOSOC and UN-branded background. — Alexa Charouhis looking out over the United Nations lawn before the ECOSOC Youth Forum begins.

This past week I was invited to attend the United Nations Economic and Social Youth Forum (ECOSOC), a gathering of young people from across the globe determined to take action for the planet.

Though the president of the ECOSOC, Bob Rae, opened the forum with a call to action: telling youth the world needs us “to start taking charge today,” my peers and I need no urging. Growing up under threats of uncontrolled generative AI, global war, mass shootings and climate collapse, we know our future is in trouble, and we came to do something about it.

Invited to present my solutions for a sustainable world at the panel “The Forum Youth for Sustainable Oceans — Mobilization and Actions,” I listened as fellow youth highlighted the urgent threats facing our oceans: overfishing, coral bleaching, ocean acidification and sea level rise. A youth from Jakarta shared that just last month catastrophic flooding displaced thousands in Indonesia. Another youth with family displaced in Samut Prakan told of deadly monsoons leaving vast swathes of Thailand and Malaysia under water.

Their stories reflected the peril facing my hometown of Miami, where a NOAA project projects sea levels could rise two feet by 2060 — enough to submerge entire parts of my city, including the neighborhood I grew up in. Refusing to accept that future, I shared two initiatives I’m working on in Miami — Fashions Forward and One Million Mangroves — as models for advancing Sustainable Development Goals on achieving gender equality (SDG 5) and protecting life below water (SDG 14).

But safely ensconced within the walls of the United Nations Headquarters, as we exchanged our fears and solutions through interpreters in seven languages, I struggled to hold on to my trademark optimism. There is hope — in the stories of my fellow youth rising to meet adversity every single day — but there is also a growing sense of urgency: We are out of time.

Because beyond these walls, just last week, catastrophic floods have battered Italy, deadly snow storms left thousands powerless and freezing across Switzerland and 27 million southern Africans are facing famine after an unrelenting drought wiped out last year’s harvest.

Girl in white dress and navy blazer walking outside UN plaza past a line of international flags. — Alexa walking toward the UN Headquarters with purpose and hope.

Teen girl in blazer standing confidently in front of ECOSOC Youth Forum sign and backdrop. — Alexa walking toward the UN Headquarters with purpose and hope.

The world is facing an unprecedented crisis, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The youth know this; it’s our lived reality. What sets the ECOSOC Youth Forum apart is this: Unlike so many conferences where adults defer responsibility through endless debates over costs and blame — while youth serve as sidelined advocates — this forum is different.

We didn’t debate whose fault it was, how we got here, or who owes what to whom. Instead, we came with a singular purpose: to exchange concrete solutions that are already changing lives around the world and to scale those solutions by taking them back to our communities and putting them into play.

Exiting the UN alongside other youth as the final session comes to a close, there’s a shift among us. We’re done with endless advocacy, or even asking for a seat at the table.

Armed with the support of our peers whose homes may be thousands of miles apart, but whose ideals are aligned, we’re ready to shoulder the responsibility of building a sustainable world. Because the future isn’t something we’re willing to inherit as it comes at us — it’s something we are determined to help shape. So forgive us if we no longer ask for permission to lead, but our planet is running out of time. And so are we.

By Alexa Charouhis, We Are Forces of Nature

About the Author

Teenage girl speaking into a microphone at the ECOSOC forum, black and white photo.

Alexa Charouhis is a 15-year-old environmentalist from Miami and the president of We Are Forces of Nature, a youth-led organization working to halt climate change. She leads the Fashions Forward Initiative, reintroducing vintage clothing into the circular economy, with all proceeds supporting girls secondary education in countries least responsible for carbon emissions but most impacted by climate change.

About the Organization

Forces of Nature is an unstoppable movement of young people uniting to halt climate change. We are taking action to bring our planet to a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. We are forward thinkers that understand the solutions are here, and this is our moment to build a better world. Our mission is to develop and implement solutions to save the planet. #Zero2030.

Art & Culture

Happy PRIDE in BIO[&]DIVERSITY

At its simplest, biodiversity is the full variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microbes in the soil to towering redwoods, from coral reefs teeming with fish to migrating shorebirds crossing the ocean. Biodiversity is not just about the number of species, but about how they live, where they live, and how they interact. It includes the quiet resilience of a lichen on a stone and the synchronized movement of a school of fish. It includes differences within species too. Some animals, like blue whales, might spend their lives mostly alone, while others rely on intricate social structures. Bees work together in colonies as superorganisms, with queens, workers, and drones, while other species divide roles across a group to hunt, raise young, or guard their community. These variations are not random, they are the result of millions of years of evolution, shaping a planet that functions as a system only when its parts remain connected.

It is the small details we often take for granted: the insect that pollinates a native flower, the bird that disperses seeds, the solitary tree where a migratory animal rests. When those pieces go missing, we might start to understand how deeply everything depends on everything else. Biodiversity is what makes Earth vibrant, resilient, and alive. When we protect it, we are protecting the system that supports us all. Old news, right? This should be giving vibes from my 1999 Campbell’s Biology, 5th Edition, university textbook.

As I reflect during Pride Month, I recognize that just as we value biodiversity, the dazzling variety of species, colors, bird calls, scents, and ecological roles- it should go without saying that we must also value human diversity. It is this diversity that makes us uniquely human. Celebrating Pride, for me, is about celebrating our differences (and the commonality between), respecting the rights, voices, and identities of all people, and taking time to honor what makes each of us unique. It is also about standing up, defending each other, and protecting what is beautiful. Two days ago a violent video was circulated on Instagram of a group of guys who violently attacked three trans women in Rome. There was kicking, punching, breaking bottles, and I’m sure a dark terror that will forever reside inside those women. When I see nature go up in flames, I make my voice heard. When people are attacked simply for existing, I do the same. Transphobia is here. Homophobia is here. A whole lot of phobias are here. But I repeat: TRANSPHOBIA IS HERE. It is not far from wherever you are sitting either. Trans people are not going away and they are part of the diversity that makes us all, together, human.

This is why we still need Pride.

Now, because of my work, my husband’s work, my educational and career path, and my family, I have had the good fortune to live in a handful of countries, and have visited many many others. Through these experiences, I’ve become close with people across nationalities and cultural backgrounds. I’m so lucky to have been welcomed into homes and communities that have shared their recipes, stories, fears, and traditions. It is every kind of diversity, across landscapes and languages, cultures and cuisines, that is beautiful. It should be protected, respected, and celebrated just as fiercely as the biodiversity of our planet.

On a personal level, I had a story similar to many young gay men who grew up in the 80s and 90s- navigating identity, belonging, the silence that often surrounded us, and the fear of AIDS around the corner. One of the things that made me stronger, more grounded, and ultimately successful in my life and career was that celebration diversity. I eventually learned there is no singular path or role, even though I was prescribed one. When I began working in ocean conservation well over two decades ago, my earliest mentors were all women. In a field that was still overwhelmingly male-dominated, these women lifted each other up, advocated for equity, and made space for new voices. Watching them taught me to be brave enough to be myself and to help others do the same. This also made me understand that the most effective way to make an impact in biodiversity conservation was to support the people behind it. Flash-forward, welcome to SEVENSEAS.

It is worth noting that SEVENSEAS is coincidentally owned and operated by gay people. I am proud of how this has shaped the way we work and the stories we choose to tell. SEVENSEAS Media is here to share science, promote biodiversity conservation, and support the people who make that work possible. Conservation is not just about coral and trees. It’s about the people who fight for them- and for each other.

That is why we offer publications, job opportunities, events, and volunteer connections. That is why we celebrate every person in this community and what makes them who they are. SEVENSEAS is the place for you.

This month, at the suggestion of Junior, our new Publisher, we we decided last minute to put together a special Pride in Conservation issue- highlighting some of the work of a few LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and friends across the SEVENSEAS community.

Thanks for reading, and happy PRIDE.

Giacomo Abrusci

Raja Ampat, 2017

Issue 121 - June 2025

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – No. 121 June 2025

Amplifying Queer Voices

What Can Whales Teach Us About Queer Identity?

Dr. Chloe Robinson explores whales, from matriarchal pods to same-sex bonds and intersex individuals, challenge human norms through emotionally rich, socially fluid communities. Their queer behaviors mirror human identities, showing us that love, family, and gender diversity aren’t unusual—they’re naturally beautiful, and perhaps it’s time we learned from them. [Read more]

Patrick & Dave’s Pride Guide in Miami Beach

Group of queer friends posing in front of the rainbow lifeguard tower at 12th Street Beach

Patrick and Dave showcase Miami Beach as the ideal Pride vacation. Right off 12th Street’s “Gay Beach,” explore vivid coral reefs and unique marine wildlife, paddleboard serene mangroves, dive with rainbow parrotfish, and finish the day with iconic drag brunches and spirited nightlife. A Pride experience merging nature, culture, and celebration. [Read more]

Recoger “basuritas”, cuidar el agua, habitar el orgullo

Person walking among rocky cliffs near the ocean, wearing a Parley shirt and cap.

Liliana Plaza combines queer identity with environmental activism, protecting coastal wetlands from Chile to global ocean projects. With Parley and Ojos de Mar Foundation, she advocates ecofeminist justice through community art and education, demonstrating that caring for nature is a bold, loving act benefiting both ecosystems and diverse communities. [Read more]

What Cormorants Teach Us About Adaptation

Rose Wilkin reveals how cutting-edge tools like drones, AI, and remote cameras revolutionize seabird research. Focusing on cormorant colonies in British Columbia, she highlights surprising discoveries about predator interactions and colony resilience, showcasing how modern technology opens new doors for ecological observation and seabird conservation in challenging coastal environments. [Read more]

Currents We Refuse to Follow

Victor Gauducheau explores how queer identity shapes his approach to conservation. Navigating societal rejection sharpened his connection with nature’s complexity and fluidity, inspiring his research on marine ecosystems and cetacean conservation. He argues that protecting biodiversity means embracing diversity in all forms—refusing dominant narratives to envision kinder, interconnected ways of living. [Read more]

Meeting the New Publisher at SEVENSEAS Media

Junior steps into the spotlight as SEVENSEAS Media’s new publisher, blending his passion for storytelling, healthcare, and queer identity into the environmental world. Embracing vulnerability and excitement, he commits to amplifying diverse voices, breaking down barriers, and making ocean conservation accessible to all readers with warmth, humor, and authenticity. [Read more]

A single ocean wave illuminated by sunset, glowing with fiery orange light as it crests and rolls toward the shore.

“Waves of fire against a stubborn shore.”
Photograph by Victoria Migneco, submitted for SEVENSEAS Media’s PRIDE Issue #121.

Container Ship Sinks Off Kerala, Triggers Oil Spill Emergency

The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 near Kerala unleashed fuel, hazardous chemicals, and plastics into the Arabian Sea, endangering vital breeding grounds for marine life during peak spawning season. Scientists warn of severe ecological damage amid complicated monsoon conditions, highlighting urgent gaps in maritime governance, accountability, and disaster response. [Read more]

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: Tracking Tigers and Conservation in India

A wild leopard resting on a rock, looking alert in the Sujan Jawai region

Venetia, Managing Director of Journeys With Purpose, shares insights from her transformative trip across India’s tiger reserves. From wildlife corridors reducing human-tiger conflicts to meeting conservation pioneers, her journey unveils a rare look at community-driven conservation success. Experience intimate safaris, stunning landscapes, and firsthand encounters with India’s remarkable wildlife recovery story. [Read more]

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: The Palau Pledge and Marine Protection in Action

Aerial view of Palau’s capital and surrounding lagoon, showcasing villages nestled among the islands

Palau, a tiny Pacific nation, leads globally in marine conservation through groundbreaking initiatives like the Palau Pledge—requiring visitors to commit to environmental protection. With shark sanctuaries, vast marine reserves, and sustainable tourism, Palau proves that cultural pride, environmental responsibility, and global leadership can transform tourism into a force for lasting change. [Read more]

Mass Death of Magellanic Penguins Shocks Cabo Vírgenes Reserve

During a visit to Cabo Vírgenes Reserve in April, a witness found dozens of dead Magellanic penguins—some freshly deceased, others skeletal. With gas extraction sites nearby and signs of possible violence, urgent questions remain. Environmental groups are now seeking answers to protect this fragile breeding colony. [Read more]

Coral Gardens and Vents Discovered in South Sandwich Waters

A blue and white research vessel cruises through icy Antarctic waters with a snow-covered volcanic island and drifting iceberg in the background.

A daring expedition led by Ocean Census and GoSouth uncovered vibrant deep-sea coral gardens, newly discovered hydrothermal vents, and possible new species in the icy depths of the South Sandwich Islands. Amid volcanoes and storms, scientists made rare biological and geological discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the deep ocean. [Read more]

SeaKeepers 2025 Honors Jimmy Buffett and Emily Cunningham

Graphic for the Founders 2025 event hosted by The International SeaKeepers Society, featuring stylized palm fronds against a deep blue background.

This October, The International SeaKeepers Society will gather ocean champions at its 2025 Founders Event to honor the enduring legacy of Jimmy Buffett and the rising impact of Emily Cunningham, MBE. Held during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the event also celebrates the DISCOVERY Fleet’s global contributions to ocean science and education. It’s an evening of memory, momentum, and meaningful action for the sea. [Read more]

Reefs of Time: Fossils Reveal Clues to Coral Survival

In Reefs of Time, geoscientist Lisa Gardiner looks to the ancient fossil record to understand how coral reefs have survived past climate upheavals—and what that means for their future. Blending science, travel, and poetic insight, this new release offers a powerful and hopeful lens on coral survival in a warming world. [Read more]

Wet and Salty: A Life Devoted to Coral Conservation

Book cover of Wet and Salty showing a close-up of a snorkeler inspecting branching corals underwater.

In Wet and Salty, Rodney V. Salm traces his remarkable 55-year journey from spearfishing barefoot in Moçambique to pioneering global coral reef conservation. Filled with personal adventure and scientific insight, this memoir offers a hopeful, firsthand account of resilience—both human and ecological—in the face of a changing ocean. [Read more]

Truth Demands: Indigenous Leadership in a Crumbling Climate System

In Truth Demands, Abby Reyes weaves personal loss, environmental justice, and Indigenous wisdom into a powerful memoir of resistance. Tracing the murder of her partner in U’wa territory to the silence surrounding corporate accountability, she calls for a future where Earth, community, and truth are no longer sidelined, but central. [Read more]