A self-guided tour at the Science Museum in London has drawn attention for accusing Lego bricks of reinforcing “heteronormativity” — the idea that heterosexuality and the male/female gender binary are the societal norm.
The tour, titled Seeing Things Queerly, encourages visitors to explore exhibits that highlight stories of queer communities, identities, and experiences. Among the objects discussed, Lego is singled out for its language and design, which the tour claims reinforces gendered assumptions.
The museum’s description on its website explains that Lego bricks are often described in gendered terms, noting that the top of the brick with sticking-out pins is referred to as “male,” while the bottom with holes to receive the pins is called “female.” The description further critiques this “mating” process, saying it applies “heteronormative language to topics unrelated to gender, sex, and reproduction.”
“[This] illustrates how heteronormativity shapes the way we speak about science, technology, and the world in general,” the description reads.
However, the Science Museum does not provide citations or sources for its claims regarding Lego. On the other hand, Lego’s own website explains the mechanics of its bricks differently, stating, “The tubes on the bottom interlock with the studs on top of other bricks,” using non-gendered language.
Lego has yet to comment on the accusations.
The museum’s claims about Lego sparked significant attention online, with many social media users reacting. Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), responded with a clown face emoji.
Political commentator Ben Shapiro joked, “Wait until the Science Museum finds out that human beings have male and female parts that are made to mate with each other.”
Attorney Jenin Younes also shared her amusement, saying, “Sometimes I need a laugh given everything that’s happening in the world. This did it for me today.”
