Exploring Gender and Sexuality in the Animal Kingdom: A Deep Dive into Second Nature by Drew Denny
Exploring Gender and Sexuality in the Animal Kingdom: A Dive into Second Nature
In a world where gender norms are constantly evolving, director Drew Denny’s documentary Second Nature: Gender and Sexuality in the Animal World invites audiences to rethink their understanding of gender and sexuality—not just in humans, but across the animal kingdom. The film, narrated by Elliot Page, poses a whimsical yet thought-provoking question: Could Nemo’s dad have transformed into a mom after the death of his partner, given that clownfish can change sex?
Inspired by Dr. Joan Roughgarden’s groundbreaking book, Evolution’s Rainbow: Diversity, Gender, and Sexuality in Nature and People, Second Nature delves into the rich tapestry of biological and behavioral diversity among various species. From reptiles to primates, the film showcases how animals navigate their identities in ways that challenge traditional human perceptions of gender and sexuality.
During its world premiere at NewFest 37 in New York, Denny shared insights into the film’s journey. Initially conceived as a television project, Second Nature evolved through various iterations, including a podcast, before finding its footing as a feature-length documentary. Key funding from the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and Frameline’s Completion Funds grant helped bring this ambitious project to life, despite initial skepticism about its relevance.
Denny’s personal experiences as a queer individual growing up in Texas inform her approach to the film. “Uncertainty—whether in safety, knowledge, or identity—can be scary,” she reflects. “But it has helped me learn to love the unknown.” This theme resonates throughout the documentary, which combines expert research, humor, and animation to explore complex topics in an accessible manner.
The film features insights from a diverse array of experts, including evolutionary biologists and anthropologists, who discuss the prevalence of non-binary behaviors in the animal kingdom. Denny emphasizes that queerness is not a modern construct but a natural part of evolution, challenging the notion that sex exists solely for procreation. “Nonprocreative sex serves many purposes—social bonding, alliance formation, and even pleasure,” she explains.
Despite the film’s positive reception, Denny acknowledges the challenges of bringing such a progressive narrative to mainstream audiences. “We faced rejection from every mainstream festival that wasn’t overtly LGBTQ,” she admits. Yet, the overwhelming support from viewers eager to engage with the film’s themes has been a source of encouragement.
As Second Nature continues to make waves in the festival circuit, it stands as a testament to the importance of representation and understanding in both science and society. Denny hopes the film will inspire conversations about the complexities of gender and sexuality, not just in animals, but in our own lives. “Life finds a way,” she concludes, echoing the film’s central message: embracing diversity is essential for understanding the world around us.
