Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have become a symbol of bisexuality, with bisexual mushroom stickers available for purchase. This association may be because mushrooms are neither plant nor animal but have similarities to both, occupying a unique space outside the binary categories of plant and animal. This reflects the experience of bisexual people, whose sexuality is often overlooked or ignored, with their identities assumed to be either straight or gay. Mushrooms also defy the binary of two biological sexes, with some species having as many as 23,000 mating types. Additionally, the study of mushrooms, or mycology, has been marginalised and misunderstood, paralleling the historical invisibility of the trans* and gender-expansive movement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for association with bisexuality | Mushrooms are neither plant nor animal but have similarities to both, just like bisexuals are neither straight nor gay but have similarities to both. |
| Identity formation | Identity formation is usually a gradual process, but in this case, it was sudden and drug-induced. |
| Societal perception | Mushrooms and queer people each have their own phobias: mycophobia and queerphobia, respectively. |
| Classification | Mushrooms were classified as "lower plants" by Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s, and it wasn't until 1969 that they were recognized as distinct organisms. This parallels the historical invisibility of the trans* and gender-expansive movement. |
| Reproduction | Mushrooms defy binary rules of reproduction with some reproducing asexually, some having two sets of reproductive systems, and some having distinct bodies for different sets. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms as a symbol of the bisexual community
Mushrooms have become a symbol of the bisexual community, as well as the wider LGBTQ+ community, due to their unique characteristics as a life form. As fungi, mushrooms are neither plants nor animals, but share similarities with both. This ambiguity reflects the experience of bisexual individuals who do not fit the binary categories of "straight" or "gay". Bisexuality exists in the grey area between these two identities, often overlooked or misunderstood by those who assume sexuality is a binary choice.
The mushroom's ability to thrive in dark, damp environments, even when faced with destruction, is also symbolic of the LGBTQ+ community's resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Queer individuals, like mushrooms, have had to adapt and survive in challenging, oppressive environments, facing discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Despite these difficulties, the queer population has flourished, akin to mushrooms that can grow and spread even in the darkest corners of the world.
The mushroom, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the LGBTQ+ community's strength and determination to fight for their rights and recognition. It represents the struggles and triumphs of queer folks, who, like mushrooms, come in a wide range of forms, identities, and experiences.
Additionally, mushrooms have the power to transform things by decomposing and creating new life from organic matter. Similarly, queer individuals have the power to transform society by challenging and breaking down harmful norms and stereotypes. This transformative ability is evident in historical events such as Stonewall, where the queer community rose up against police raids and abuse, sparking a revolution that brought them into the spotlight and led to significant changes like the legalization of gay marriage.
The association between bisexuality and mushrooms is also reflected in popular culture, with memes and discussions on social media platforms like Reddit drawing connections between the two.
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Similarities between bisexuality and mushrooms
Bisexuality and mushrooms have been linked in popular culture, with bisexual mushroom stickers available for purchase and references to bisexual kids and their frogs 'n' mushrooms. This association may stem from the perception that mushrooms, like bisexuality, blur the lines between binary categories and challenge societal norms and expectations. Here are some similarities between bisexuality and mushrooms:
Challenging Binary Thinking
Mushrooms, or fungi, defy binary categorization. They are neither plants nor animals but have similarities to both kingdoms. Similarly, bisexuality challenges the binary view of sexuality as strictly heterosexual or homosexual. Bisexuality exists in the space between these categories, acknowledging attraction to multiple genders.
Diverse Reproductive Strategies
Fungi exhibit a remarkable diversity of reproductive strategies. Some reproduce asexually, some have distinct male and female reproductive systems, and some have both types coexisting. This parallels the diverse sexual orientations and relationships found within the bisexual community, where individuals may have relationships with people of different genders or express fluidity in their sexual attractions.
Misunderstanding and Marginalization
Both bisexual individuals and fungi have experienced misunderstanding and marginalization. Fungi were historically misunderstood and classified as "lower plants," leading to a lack of recognition and education about their unique characteristics. Similarly, bisexuality has often been overlooked, misunderstood, or assumed to fit into binary categories. Both bisexual individuals and fungi have their own unique phobias: queerphobia and mycophobia, respectively.
Transformative and Revolutionary
In the same way that mycology (the study of fungi) is described as "disruptive, collective, transformative, and revolutionary," bisexuality and queer identities can be seen as transformative and revolutionary in challenging societal norms and expanding our understanding of gender and sexuality. They encourage us to move beyond binary thinking and embrace the diversity and fluidity of human experiences.
While the connection between bisexuality and mushrooms may seem lighthearted or tongue-in-cheek, it highlights the power of using symbolism and shared experiences to build community and validate identities.
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The bisexual mushroom sticker
The mushroom has long been associated with bisexuality, perhaps due to its unique characteristics that set it apart from plants and animals. Fungi, like bisexuality, defy binary rules and expectations. They showcase a spectrum of mating types and reproductive methods, challenging the notion of distinct categories. This sticker embraces that connection, celebrating the diversity and complexity of both fungi and bisexual identities.
The sticker is available for purchase on Redbubble, a platform that showcases the work of independent artists. By buying this sticker, you are not only expressing your own identity but also supporting the artist directly. It can be a great way to personalise your belongings, such as laptops, water bottles, or notebooks, adding a touch of colour and a conversation starter about your interests and beliefs.
Whether you are bisexual yourself or an ally, displaying this sticker can initiate meaningful conversations about bisexual visibility and foster a more inclusive environment. It serves as a reminder that bisexuality, like mushrooms, is natural, diverse, and an integral part of the rich tapestry of human existence. So, if you're looking for a way to express your bisexual pride or connect with others in the bisexual community, consider adding "The Bisexual Mushroom" sticker to your collection.
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The link between bisexuality and mycology
Bisexuality and mycology, the study of fungi, have been linked in popular culture and academic discussions. In recent years, bisexual individuals have adopted mushrooms as a symbol, with some attributing their realisation of bisexuality to mushroom trips. This association has sparked curiosity about the underlying connection between bisexuality and mycology.
One perspective suggests that the link stems from the perception that mushrooms, like bisexuality, occupy a space outside the traditional binary of plants and animals. Fungi possess unique characteristics that set them apart from both kingdoms, mirroring how bisexuality exists outside the binary categories of straight and gay. This interpretation aligns with the experience of some individuals who have shared that consuming mushrooms led them to question their sexual orientation or explore their bisexuality.
Beyond the binary aspect, mycology and bisexuality share a history of marginalisation and misunderstanding. Dr. Patricia Kaishian, in an essay exploring the similarities between mushrooms and non-binary people, describes mycology as "queer insofar as it is marginal, subordinate, contested, ridiculed, but more critically, mycology is queer insofar as it is disruptive, collective, transformative, [and] revolutionary." The field of mycology has long been overlooked and pathologised, with fungi being considered "primitive" and misunderstood. Similarly, bisexuality and other non-binary sexual orientations have often been overlooked, misunderstood, or relegated to the margins of societal discourse.
Furthermore, both bisexuality and fungi challenge traditional notions of reproduction and mating. Fungi exhibit a remarkable diversity in their reproductive strategies, with some species having multiple mating types, asexual reproduction, or distinct bodies for different reproductive systems. This parallels the diverse and fluid nature of bisexual relationships, which can involve connections with individuals of various gender identities and sexual orientations.
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The impact of mushrooms on sexual identity
In one such account, an individual shared that after consuming mushrooms, they had a realisation about their bisexuality, which led to a shift in their perspective and caused them to start imagining intimate encounters with women. This experience caused them some distress, as they struggled with the sudden change in their understanding of their sexual identity.
Mushrooms have also been associated with bisexuality and queer identities due to their unique characteristics as fungi. Unlike the traditional binary of plants and animals established by Carl Linnaeus, mushrooms, or fungi, exist outside of this classification. They are neither plants nor animals but have similarities to both, occupying a unique and fascinating space in the natural world. This liminal quality of mushrooms has led some people to associate them with bisexuality and queer identities, which also exist outside of the traditional binary of straight and gay.
Additionally, the study of mushrooms, or mycology, has been described as queer in its nature. Dr. Patricia Kaishian, in an essay exploring the connections between mushrooms and non-binary people, describes mycology as "marginal, subordinate, contested, ridiculed, but more critically, [...] disruptive, collective, transformative, [and] revolutionary." This perspective highlights how the study of mushrooms can be seen as a disruptive force that challenges societal norms and categorisations, similar to the way that queer identities disrupt the binary understanding of sexuality.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom bisexual is a term used to refer to someone who identifies as bisexual after consuming mushrooms.
Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals but have similarities to both. They are unique and exist outside the binary categories of plants and animals. Similarly, bisexuality exists outside the binary categories of straight and gay.
Yes, mushrooms are considered a symbol of the LGBT community, particularly for bisexual individuals. This is because mushrooms, or fungi, defy binary rules of reproduction, showcasing that two biological sexes are not the rule but rather the exception.
Another symbol associated with bisexuality is the colour scheme of the bisexual flag.
