The Science Museum of Minnesota has a traveling exhibit focused on mental health and the human mind. As a part of that “Mental Health: Mind Matters” exhibit, the museum is selling merchandise relating to human emotions, the brain, and neural functions.
Among the pieces of merchandise are pins that are shaped like chemistry flasks which display the structural formula of dopamine. However, the pins are decorated with color combinations that promote various gender identities and sexual orientations.
“This collection of chemistry flasks is all about embracing pride,” writes the science museum on its gift shop website. “Each flask proudly showcases the structural formula of dopamine. Known as the feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine is the brain’s MVP, transmitting those awesome feelings of reward, pleasure, and motivation. This design is a powerful symbol, reminding us to take pride in simply being ourselves and enjoying the good vibes.”
The “dopamine pins” include polysexual, pansexual, bisexual, lesbian, asexual, genderfluid, aromantic, non-binary, and rainbow pride designs.
The museum does not have any pins for those who are heterosexual or cisgender, and they did not respond to Alpha News’ request for comment as to why those sexual and gender orientations were not included.
The shop also has other pride pins that are “inspired” by various elements of the periodic table. These pins feature gay, bisexual, lesbian, genderqueer, polyamory, pansexual, and queer symbolism. Other pins feature various pronoun combinations such as they/them, ze/zer, and she/her.
“This Progress Pride pin is inspired by the element Praseodymium, with the symbol Pr and atomic number 59,” reads a description for one of the pins. “The Pride Flag colors include black and brown stripes, for racial equality, as well as the blue, pink, and white Trans Pride flag colors on the left side.”
Other products available from the Science Museum of Minnesota include various LGBT clothing items, jewelry, and books.
The exhibit, “Mental Health: Mind Matters”, is a modification of a Finnish exhibit and is designed for families and teens, according to the museum’s website.
“Mental Health: Mind Matters will create a safe space for important conversations about mental illnesses. Misconceptions and stigma lead to prejudice and discrimination,” the museum’s website explains.
The exhibit opened on Oct. 26, 2024, and will be at the museum through Feb. 2, 2025. The museum did not respond to Alpha News’ request for comment regarding how the gender/sexual orientation dopamine pins are related to mental health.
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
