First look at Elliot Page’s upcoming documentary on queerness in the animal kingdom
– 2 min read
The first teaser has been released for Oscar-nominated actor Elliot Page's upcoming nature documentary Second Nature, a bold and enlightening exploration of queerness in the animal kingdom. The film, which Page narrates and executive produces, challenges long-held myths about gender and sexuality in nature, revealing that same-sex behaviour, gender fluidity, and non-traditional parenting are far more common in the wild than many realise.
Directed by Drew Denny, Second Nature dives into the lives of over 1,500 animal species that exhibit behaviours often labelled as “queer” - from dolphins engaging in homosexual sex to penguins forming same-sex pair bonds, and even species capable of changing sex multiple times throughout their lives. “Homosexual behaviour in nature is one of the best kept secrets. It’s absolutely everywhere,” says one of the film’s scientific experts in the teaser.
Second Nature — A documentary about everything you didn’t learn in high school biology.
Debunking myths that females are “inferior” and being queer is “unnatural,” Second Nature follows trailblazing trans Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Joan Roughgarden as she meets other groundbreaking scientists exploring the 1500+ animal species who engage in same-sex sexual behavior and parenting, chang
0
The documentary also features the work of trans biologist Dr Joan Roughgarden and a diverse team of female, BIPOC, and immigrant scientists who have faced resistance for challenging conventional narratives. Their research underscores the rich diversity of life and the naturalness of queer identities across species.
Page, known for roles in Juno, Inception and The Umbrella Academy, expressed deep pride in the project: “What a joy and honour it has been to narrate this beautiful, funny, enlightening and inspiring documentary. Second Nature reveals the full spectrum of life and how, when it comes to gender and sexuality in nature, the diversity is endless. I learned so much and am thrilled others will too."
An hour-long preview of Second Nature is set to premiere at the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco, where Page will also receive the Trailblazer Award. The full-length version of the documentary is currently in production and expected to be released later this year.
