Helen Mirren Sparks Conversation by Calling Tomatoes “Bisexual” on Late Night TV

Dame Helen Mirren, renowned for her roles on stage and screen, unexpectedly became a champion for botanical education and LGBTQ+ visibility this week. During her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” she commented, “A tomato is a bisexual thing, you see,” as Fallon prepared a fresh salsa for the actress and his studio audience. The lighthearted exchange has since ignited widespread interest and commentary, particularly within LGBTQ+ circles, for its intersection of science, language, and identity .

Mirren’s statement, though surprising to some viewers, is rooted in botanical fact. Tomato plants produce flowers that contain both male (stamens) and female (pistils) reproductive organs, making them “perfect flowers” or what botanists refer to as bisexual. This means a single tomato flower can self-pollinate, a process vital to fruit production . Mirren explained during the show, “It’s bisexual, so you have to go around to each tomato, each flower, and go like this,” demonstrating a common gardening technique to aid pollination .

Her candid remarks, delivered with characteristic wit, brought scientific terminology into the mainstream, prompting both amusement and genuine curiosity among audiences .

The moment quickly went viral on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, with users applauding Mirren’s playful use of the term “bisexual” and drawing parallels to broader conversations about sexual diversity and visibility in society .

Some users, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities, have embraced the analogy as a lighthearted but affirming way to discuss bisexuality and non-binary identities in nature. Comments such as “Thank you, Helen. Truly.” and humorous memes have proliferated, reflecting a sense of pride and shared knowledge .

LGBTQ+ advocates and educators have also highlighted the importance of such moments in mainstream media. By referencing bisexuality in a positive and normalized context, Mirren’s remarks contribute to ongoing efforts to destigmatize and demystify sexual diversity, moving beyond stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive dialogue .

The reaction to Mirren’s statement underscores the power of language and visibility in shaping cultural attitudes. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, seeing words like “bisexual” used accurately and without prejudice—especially by a figure as respected as Dame Helen Mirren—can be affirming and validating.

While the context was botanical, the willingness to introduce and explain terms related to sexuality in everyday conversation is seen as a step forward for normalization and acceptance. LGBTQ+ linguists and historians have long noted the positive effects when scientific terminology overlaps with conversations about human identity, helping to educate and reduce stigma .

Mirren’s comments also open a window to broader conversations about the diversity of sexual and reproductive strategies in the natural world, offering a gentle reminder that variation is normal and celebrated across countless species.

Though the initial remark was intended to be humorous, the cultural ripples demonstrate how even brief media moments can spark meaningful conversations about identity, diversity, and inclusion. As memes and discussions continue, Mirren’s tomato analogy stands as a testament to the unexpected ways public figures can help advance LGBTQ+ visibility—using science, humor, and a dash of star power.