Elliot Page’s New Documentary Explores How Queerness Thrives Across The Animal World
Set to premiere at NewFest on Saturday, October 18th, ‘Second Nature’ reveals how diversity and queerness flourish across species.
Featured image by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
Oscar-nominated actor Elliot Page has released the first teaser for Second Nature: Gender and Sexuality in the Animal World, a new documentary that explores queerness and gender diversity across the animal kingdom. Produced and narrated by Page, the film aims to dismantle long-held myths about sex, gender, and behavior in nature.
“There are approximately 8.7 billion living animal species on Earth,” Page says in the opening narration. “For centuries, we have been told that when it comes to gender and sexuality, all these millions of species follow a certain set of rules. But what if this narrative fails to capture the full spectrum of life’s diversity?”
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The teaser showcases vivid footage of animals engaging in behaviors often overlooked or dismissed in traditional biology. From same-sex pair bonding among penguins and albatross to clownfish changing sex, Second Nature presents scientific evidence that queerness in nature is both widespread and essential to life’s diversity.
“Homosexual behavior in nature is one of the best-kept secrets. It’s absolutely everywhere,” says one of the film’s featured scientific experts.
Directed by Drew Denny (Momster), the documentary features research and commentary from trans ecologist Dr. Joan Roughgarden and evolutionary biologist Dr. Joseph Graves, the first African American to earn a PhD in the field. The film also highlights the work of female, BIPOC, queer, and immigrant scientists who have challenged conventional narratives about biology and faced resistance for doing so.
According to the film’s synopsis, Second Nature “disproves many lies we’ve been told about our nature — and thankfully, the truth is so much better,” emphasizing that gender fluidity and same-sex behavior are not exceptions but integral aspects of natural life.
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Page expressed deep admiration for the project, describing it as both a personal and professional milestone. “What a joy and honor it has been to narrate this beautiful, funny, enlightening and inspiring documentary,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Director Drew Denny praised Page’s involvement. “I’m so honored that Elliot will be the voice of our film,” Denny said. “Not only is he a phenomenal actor, but he’s an activist with a big heart, taking such care to use his platform to better the lives (and save the lives) of queer folks during this time of relentless attacks.”
Second Nature will premiere at Newfest on Saturday, October 18th.
