BBC names trans scientist who says palm trees are 'transsexual' to top 100 women's list

A trans-identified biological male has been selected for the BBC's annual list of the top 100 most inspirational women. Brigitte Baptiste, 61, born Luis Guillermo Baptise, of Colombia, is a trans scientist who works to link biodiversity to gender identity. One of Baptiste's scientific claims includes allegations that palm trees are "transsexual."

The broadcast company said in its description of Baptiste that the scientist uses a "queer lens to analyze landscapes and species in a bid to expand the notion of 'nature' to better protect ecosystems."

During a 2018 TED talk, Baptiste stated that "there is nothing more queer than nature" while claiming to the audience that scientists had discovered "transsexual" palm trees, the Telegraph reported. Baptiste contended that it was advisable to abandon notions of "naturalness" in nature, and said that science has consistently documented the transformation of sex and gender.


Baptiste wears women's clothing and has large prosthetic breasts. Courtesy: Instagram

Each year, the BBC releases a list of women they believe have made significant accomplishments in public life. According to the broadcaster, this year's "BBC 100 Women" list acknowledges "the toll this year has taken on women by celebrating those who - through their resilience - are pushing for change, as the world changes around them."

The male scientist was included alongside notable women such as stranded astronaut Sunita Williams, Olympic athletes Rebeca Andrade and Allyson Felix, rape survivor Gisele Pelicot, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, who survived being sold into sex slavery after being kidnapped by ISIS.


Brigitte Baptiste. Courtesy: Instragram

Baptiste is not the first male to be nominated to the BBC's list of most influential women. Rushana Kapali, a trans campaigner from Nepal who won a legal battle to change his gender from male to female, was added to the list for 2023. Additionally, the BBC added two men to the list in 2022: Erika Hilton, the first black trans man elected to Brazil's National Congress, and Efrat Tilma, the first trans man to volunteer for the Israeli police.


Brigitte Baptiste. Courtesy: Instagram

Fiona Crack, deputy global director and founder of BBC 100 Women, said according to the Telegraph: "At the BBC, we are proud to shine a spotlight on these extraordinary women, from high-profile figures to those whose remarkable contributions often go unrecognized."