Trans actor Elliot Page is promoting a new documentary centered on same sex behavior in animals, pushing the project as a way to reach children with themes tied to gender identity and sexuality. The film, titled Second Nature, explores claims about gender fluidity and sexual behavior across thousands of animal species.
Second Nature - SXSW Teaser
According to People magazine, the documentary highlights research involving more than 1,500 species said to exhibit same sex behavior, sex changes, and female led social systems. It uses these examples to argue that conventional definitions of what is natural should be reconsidered, a message that critics say crosses from science into advocacy.
Page, formerly known as Ellen page and best remembered for her roles in Juno and The Umbrella Academy, narrates and co produces the film. In promotional material, Page rejects long standing biological norms, arguing that traditional views on sex and gender in nature are outdated. The film presents itself as educational, but it places a clear focus on reshaping how young viewers understand sexuality.
Page has directly tied the film’s message to children, saying it could help kids who identify as queer feel less alone. Page described growing up with shame and suggested that exposure to this content could provide validation. That framing raises clear concerns for parents, as the film introduces complex sexual topics to minors under the banner of education.
Director Drew Denny reinforced that approach, saying learning about animal sexuality reshaped her own identity. Denny credited the book Evolution’s Rainbow as a key influence and said it helped her feel accepted. She expressed hope that the documentary will deliver the same impact to others, including young viewers still forming their understanding of sex and identity.
The documentary also pushes claims about censorship in science and media, with Page arguing that key information has been excluded from public discussion. At the same time, the film reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where activist messaging is increasingly packaged as educational content aimed at younger audiences.
Second Nature has screened at the South by Southwest festival and the Reel Wild Film Festival. It is scheduled to open in Los Angeles on May 24 and in New York on June 26, entering an ongoing cultural debate over what kind of content is appropriate for children and families. No doubt mainstream critics will shower it with praise.
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