The truth about “gay frogs”
A controversial claim popularised by far-right American radio host Alex Jones has circulated online: that chemicals in our water supply are “turning frogs gay.” While the phrasing sounds sensational, the science behind it is a bit more complex. It’s an uncomfortable truth about how pollution is impacting wildlife.
Speaking to an advocate of this theory, Christopher Jones, 39, said: “It’s not what most people think. Big Water doesn’t have our best interests in mind. The research says the same, it’s turning amphibians gay. It’s making them homosexual. And those hormones are in the water we drink.”
The origin
The idea gained mainstream attention after a 2010 study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that the common herbicide atrazine could induce feminisation in frogs. This led to claims about “gender-bending” frogs. Atrazine has been restricted for use and phased out in the EU and the UK since 2006. This was due to concerns about groundwater contamination and other health risks.
What biologists say
Biologist and general manager of The Countryside Charity Kent (CPRE) Vicky Ellis helps clear up some of these claims.
So, are there documented cases where exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) altered sexual development or mating behaviour in frogs?
“Yes, but only certain hormones,” Ellis said. “There is evidence that endocrine-disrupting chemicals could affect frog development and reproductive success. It definitely affects fish, and this is well documented.”
So is it accurate to say that the frogs are turning gay? Ellis pushed back on the phrasing. “I have never heard of people saying frogs are turning ‘gay.’ Gay is not a representative term, as the frog does not need to change physically to be gay, whereas hormones change amphibians physically.”
What are EDCs?
What even are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and what is their established impact on human or animal physiology? “Hormones in the water and hormones in the body being disrupted by EDCs are not the same thing,” said Ellis. Ellis’ research includes three main concepts to note:
Synthetic hormones, like those in birth control pills, don’t perfectly match natural human hormones. They’re lab-made, often derived from sources like pregnant mares. They are designed to last longer in the body. But that stability comes with consequences.
A 1999 UK study tested three hormones (two natural, one synthetic) in rivers and found half of male fish were feminising due to exposure. While natural hormones break down quickly, synthetic versions linger. Up to 80% get excreted, and remain still chemically active.
Scientists expected sewage treatment to neutralize these hormones, but they found the opposite: treated sewage still contained potent hormones. The result? Some sex-changed animals and big questions about what this means for ecosystems and humans.
Concensus
Well then, what is the scientific consensus on whether these concentrations are sufficient to cause widespread physiological changes in humans, or even frogs?
Science educator Phil Subramanian said, ” ‘Frogs turning gay’ is a snappy sounding soundbite. Here, I’d say the ‘confusing’ thing is to do with the difference between sexual development being altered: male frogs developing female sexual characteristics, even to the point of being able to lay eggs — and sexual orientation; being gay. These are not the same thing.”
He also said: “It is well established that EDCs can cause significant changes to sexual development in wildlife. There is also evidence to support this in humans, especially in the prenatal stage of development. I don’t think there is any evidence to suggest that sexual orientation or gender identity are affected by EDCs. Obviously, as with all science, we should continually study these chemicals and review the evidence.”
Could this affect humans?
Ellis notes: “Hormones in the water and hormones in the body being disrupted by EDCs are not the same thing.” While the “gay frogs” narrative is slightly hyperbolic, the broader concern is real: EDCs are in our environment, and research suggests they could impact human health, though the extent is still debated.
A Solution?
The discovery that synthetic hormones are altering fish and wildlife can sound pretty alarming. However, solutions are trying to be implemented.
Leading options include activated carbon filtration – similar to household water filters but scaled up. There is also ozone treatment, which breaks down hormones but requires careful handling of toxic byproducts.
German researchers have developed sunlight-powered filters that remove 98% of hormones. While still in development, this method could offer a more scalable and energy-efficient approach compared to current systems.
The challenge now lies in implementing these technologies affordably. Switzerland has already begun upgrading treatment plants with advanced filtration, proving it’s possible.
Conclusion: A real problem, just not the one you’ve heard
The gender-bending, gay frog story is a distorted version of a legitimate scientific concern. Industrial and pharmaceutical pollution is altering wildlife biology. The chemicals we flush away don’t just disappear. Solving the pollution problem may be hard, but with multiple promising solutions in development, there’s hope for cleaner waters ahead yet.
