Second Nature: Gender and Sexuality in the Animal World

Sat, Jun 6

Sat, Jun 6

4:30 pm

Director: Drew Denny Run Time: 85 min. Rating: Not rated Release Year: 2024

Starring: Amy Parish, Elliot Page, Joan Roughgarden, Joseph Graves, Patricia Brennan

Join us Saturday, June 6 at 4:30pm for a wild screening of Drew Denny’s SECOND NATURE: GENDER AND SEXUALITY in the ANIMAL WORLD. This screening will be followed by a discussion led by Ash Kerby-Miller, Staff Naturalist at North Branch Nature Center.

About the Film:

Narrated by Elliot Page, SECOND NATURE follows trans evolutionary biologist Dr. Joan Roughgarden and a group of pioneering scientists as they challenge long-held assumptions about sex, gender, and behavior in the natural world. Exploring research across more than 1,500 species, the film examines everything from “very gay” waterfowl and polyamorous primates to gender-fluid fish and sex-role-reversed seahorses, revealing queerness as a widespread and natural strategy for survival. Bringing together queer, BIPOC, and immigrant scientists, SECOND NATURE reframes evolution as something defined by adaptability rather than rigid binaries. In a political moment where scientific truth is increasingly contested, the film traces a shift from “exception” to evidence-based consensus, leaving the myth of fixed biological norms behind.

About the Director:

A Sundance Lab Fellow and Grantee, Drew Denny is passionate about representing women and LGBTQ+ characters in films like her 2025 C&E Grant Winner INHABIT, pilots like her 2025 Best Episodic Winner WANDER WOMEN, documentaries like her Sundance x Sandbox Grant Winning SECOND NATURE, and podcasts like her Academy Award nominated ASKING FOR IT.

About the Moderator:

Ash Kerby-Miller (they/them) is a Staff Naturalist at North Branch Nature Center. They have a BA in Conservation Biology from Middlebury college. Ash splits their time between Vermont’s green mountains and the lowland tropical forest of Panama.

This Content Contains:
Discussion and imagery involving animal reproduction and sexual behavior

Montpelier Pride:

The Savoy Queer Film Festival is presented in partnership with Montpelier Pride. From May 15-June 15, ticket buyers will have the option to add a donation to Montpelier Pride at checkout ($2, $5, $10, or $25). Please consider supporting Montpelier Pride so they can continue providing vital community programming and hosting events throughout Pride Month and beyond!

This Film is Sponsored By:

Queer Film Fest

Second Nature: Gender and Sexuality in the Animal World

Trailer