Science Museum Challenges Gender Norms Associated with Lego Toys in LGBTQ Tour

Britain’s Science Museum is stirring controversy with its claim that children’s Lego bricks reinforce gender and sexuality stereotypes.

The museum has recently garnered attention for its self-guided tour entitled “Seeing Things Queerly,” which aims to highlight the stories of queer communities, experiences, and identities. Within this tour, the museum asserts that Lego products promote a “heteronormative” agenda, raising questions about the implications of toys in societal norms.

According to an online blog associated with the tour, Lego bricks are often described using gendered language. For example, the blog states, “The top of the brick with sticking out pins is male, the bottom of the brick with holes to receive the pins is female, and the process of the two sides being put together is called mating.” This characterization has sparked debate among educators, parents, and industry professionals alike.

The tour guide further explains, “This is an example of applying heteronormative language to topics unrelated to gender, sex, and reproduction.” This commentary illustrates how the concept of heteronormativity—a belief that heterosexuality and the traditional male/female gender binary are standard—permeates discussions around science and technology.

The Telegraph revived interest in this tour, which began in 2022, and reported that there is no cited source supporting the view that Lego is perceived as gendered or that the act of connecting Lego bricks is referred to as “mating.” This lack of substantiation has left many skeptics questioning the museum’s claims.

Fiona McAnena, director of advocacy at the organization Sex Matters, criticized the display, labeling it as “bonkers.” She stated, “The Science Museum’s self-guided trail on all things ‘queer’ includes some absurd claims. The idea that Lego is ‘heteronormative’ because blocks are described as ‘male’ and ‘female’ is ridiculous. Children engaging with Lego don’t need to be told that some people interpret fitting blocks as ‘mating.’ The expectation is to be informed and inspired at the museum, not confronted with dubious claims tied to gender ideology.”

In an interesting counterpoint, Lego has introduced an LGBTQIA+ playset named “Everyone is Awesome,” featuring minifigures in front of a rainbow display representing various colors of the LGBTQIA+ flag. This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Matthew Ashton, Vice President of Design at the LEGO Group, designed the set with intention. He noted, “It sends a powerful message while being fun and quirky. We ensured representation of black and brown colors to reflect the broad diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, alongside the colors that support the trans community.” His design also includes a purple drag queen figure as a nod to the vibrant aspects of LGBTQIA+ culture.

Furthermore, Lego has previously addressed issues of gender politics. In 2021, the company expressed concern that ingrained societal stereotypes hold girls back as they grow older. They dedicated a section on their website exploring how eliminating gender bias can enhance confidence and creativity among children.

As the debate continues, both the Science Museum and the LEGO Group have yet to comment publicly in detail regarding this ongoing discussion. The clash between playful creativity and societal messaging highlights a significant theme of modern parenting and education.

The Impact of Toys on Gender Perception

This situation raises broader questions regarding the relationship between toys and gender perception in children. How toys are marketed and the language used to describe them can have lasting effects on the way children view themselves and others.

Educational institutions and parents alike must navigate the complexities of these discussions, fostering environments where children can explore their identities without the binding constraints of traditional gender roles.

A Call for Open Dialogue

The conversation initiated by the Science Museum serves as a vital prompt for open dialogue about the societal implications of play. It is crucial for museums and educational spaces to engage in constructive discussions, allowing for diverse perspectives without promoting agendas that may not serve the interests of children.