Latest news with #AnimalPride:Nature'sComingOutStory
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Animal Pride film discovers how gay penguin behaviour was 'hidden' from 1910
Presenter and wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell finds there is evidence of same-sex courtship in almost every animal species but behaviour by penguins was hidden A nature documentary is to show how animals enjoy same-sex relationships in the same way that humans do - but that they've been hidden from history for more than a century. In Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story, British naturalist Connel Bradwell discovers that scientific research has found great swathes of species displaying homosexual behaviour including orca whales, barn owls, monkeys, geese, lions, elephants, giraffes, dragon flies, butterflies and giraffes - to name but a few. But he finds that the first scientific research into same sex behaviour, written about Adelie penguins in 1910 by polar explorer George Murray Levick was kept quiet. Bob Geldof tells why Live Aid's rock 'n' roll romance wouldn't work 40 years on Douglas Russell, senior curator at London's Natural History Museum, tells Connel that Levick spent an entire season watching the penguins in the Antarctic, having accompanied Captain Robert Scott on an expedition to the region. In an account read by Russell, Levick explains how he has observed two males copulating, with one on top of the other, and then repeating the process 'with the positions reversed'. Douglas explained that the detailed papers into the sexual habits of the Adelies were written up to be published but later marked 'not for publication', adding that the subject was something society at the time would have found "difficult.' He explained: 'I think they weren't published because it was very challenging and graphic content.' He finds it a great shame that this 'pivotal moment in the history of science' went un-recorded until the museum finally did publish the papers in 2012. After also observing video of same-sex behaviour in orca whales, Connel is told that 94 species of birds have been found to display behaviours including same sex parenting, pair-bonding and sexual activity. To explore this further, the presenter and wildlife conservationist travels to Hawaii, where he meets with avian conservationist biologist Dr Lindsay Young who has made the astonishing discovery that one third of the nesting albatross pairs in the region are both female. She says that these birds, who mate for life, are still being fertilised by males but then choosing to bring up their young with a female partner. Dr Young says her suspicions were aroused when many of the nests contained two eggs rather than the usual one, but she was stunned when her research found that 33% of the population was same sex. 'I thought I'd screwed up," she admitted. 'I ran the test four times.' Connel marvels: 'They've been here all along, we just never thought to look. It's pretty weird I've never seen this on a nature show before.' In the programme, made for PBS America and shown in the UK on YouTube, he also looks at how mature male horned sheep spend 10 months of the year apart from females, with the majority indulging in 'same-sex courtship' activities with other males. Connel then finds an expert to explain what is going on, because it is commonly assumed that copulation in nature is solely for the purpose of reproduction. Dr Carin Bonder, an animal sex biologist, reveals that non-procreative sex is widespread, citing male dolphins as an example of a group which does it to strengthen their bond. 'It is so arrogant of humans to assume all sex in the animal kingdom is for reproduction,' she declared. 'Homosexuality is absolutely everywhere. It plays such a major role in every landscape on the planet.' She agreed with Russell that these behaviours have been known about for over a century but have not been widely reported or examined on TV. 'Biologists have known about homosexuality in the animal kingdom since we started looking at animals. A lot of this information has been hidden.'
Toronto Star
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Why penguins are the perfect gay icons and banana slugs deserve their close-up: what this wildlife researcher learned making a doc about queer animals
It all started with birds. Armed with binoculars and a notebook, wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell was always outside as a kid, watching and listening. 'That curiosity never really went away,' he says. 'Being out in nature, trying to understand what animals are doing and why, has always been one of my favourite things.' After working mostly in wildlife conservation, research and education, he recently moved into wildlife filmmaking. His newest project — done in collaboration with co-writer Erinn Drage, director Rio Mitchell, producer Carolyn Whittaker and cinematographer Ryan Wilkes, plus composer Kimmortal — is more fabulous than most. 'Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story' (now available via 'The Nature of Things' on CBC Gem) features Bradwell's quest to find and understand the queerer members of the animal kingdom, and delve into why this fierce phenomenon has gone underexplored for so long. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW What inspired this documentary? My interest in queer behaviour in animals started when I saw two male orcas exhibiting same-sex behaviour while I was working in the field. As a queer person, that moment really struck me. It was surprising, moving, and it opened up a lot of questions for me. That experience sparked a journey, one that led me to learn more about queerness in the natural world. It became really important to me to share these stories, because they show that queerness exists across species and that it's always been part of the natural world. How did seeing the gay orcas make you feel? There was physical interaction, bonding, even what looked like courtship. At first, I was fascinated from a scientific perspective. But as a queer person, I also felt something much deeper. It was powerful and unexpectedly emotional. It challenged the idea I had grown up with that queerness is unnatural or only something that exists in humans. Seeing that behaviour play out so clearly in the wild really stayed with me. What were some of the most fascinating findings you uncovered about gay animals? In species like bighorn sheep — pictured in Radium, B.C. — and raccoons, same-sex behaviour is a key part of how individuals bond, says Connel Bradwell. CBC Just how widespread same-sex behaviour is across the animal kingdom. It is not limited to a few species; it has been documented in over 1,500, from insects to mammals to birds. And it is not just about sex. There are long-term pair bonds, courtship rituals, co-parenting and deep emotional connections between same-sex partners. I was especially struck by the stories of animals forming lifelong same-sex partnerships, like some species of albatross, where two females will stay together for decades and raise chicks. Another surprising finding was how queerness shows up in social structures. In species like bighorn sheep and raccoons, same-sex behaviour is a key part of how individuals bond, form hierarchies and maintain group cohesion. What really stood out overall was that queerness in nature is not rare. It is not an exception or an anomaly. It is a natural and consistent part of life on Earth. Learning that was not only fascinating but also deeply affirming. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Any other intriguing facts that the documentary gets into that you're excited to become more common knowledge? One of the things I'm most excited for people to understand is that learning about queer behaviour in animals is not just a fun fact or side note. It is actually essential to species conservation. When we ignore or dismiss same-sex behaviour or other forms of queerness in the animal world, we miss out on a full understanding of how these species live, reproduce and survive. If research assumes that all animal pair bonds are heterosexual, or that reproduction is the only behaviour worth studying, we end up with an incomplete picture. That can limit conservation efforts, especially in breeding programs, population monitoring and habitat planning. Understanding the full range of social and sexual behaviours, including same-sex parenting or bonding, gives us a much more accurate and effective foundation for protecting species. Did you have any funny moments making this film that were especially zany? One of my favourite things about our documentary is that it's joyful and fun. There are a lot of funny moments, but one that really stands out involves banana slugs. We filmed with a world-renowned gastropod expert who walked us through their bizarre mating rituals, everything from eating each other's slime to slow, twisting contortions. But it's not just the behaviour that's interesting. The slugs themselves challenge a lot of our assumptions about binary sex and gender in nature. What made it hilarious was the setting. We were all crammed into this tiny tent in the middle of the B.C. rainforest, soaked and muddy, whispering and barely moving, just waiting to see if the slugs were into each other. It was surreal. And what's even better is that we filmed them in a way that has never really been done before, with mood lighting and real drama. We gave them the full love-story treatment. That's something I love about this film. It celebrates queerness and science, but it also doesn't take itself too seriously. Nature is weird and beautiful and sometimes very funny. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW As a queer person, what was the most meaningful moment of making this film for you? Wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell says making the documentary 'Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story' reminded him that queerness has always been part of the natural world. CBC A big moment for me was meeting and learning from some incredible queer scientists. These are people who have been doing important research for years, often in spaces where queerness hasn't always been welcomed or acknowledged. Hearing their stories and seeing the way their identities shape and enrich their scientific work was really inspiring. Why has news and knowledge of gay animals been suppressed for so long? Scientists have actually been documenting same-sex behaviour and diverse gender expressions in animals for many years, including species like penguins. Despite this, much of that knowledge has been overlooked or even suppressed because research has traditionally been filtered through a heteronormative perspective. In some cases, reports of same-sex behaviour were hidden or censored. Historically, it was considered taboo or even illegal to discuss homosexuality in animals, and those attitudes sometimes continue today. There are stories of scientific work being challenged, and books on the subject being removed from libraries or facing institutional resistance. This silencing has shaped how we understand the natural world. It has reinforced the mistaken belief that heterosexual relationships and fixed gender roles are the default in nature. Our documentary aims to change that by sharing these overlooked stories, showing that diversity in sexual and social behaviour is normal, widespread and has always been part of the natural world. Which gay animal in the film is the most powerful diva of all, in your opinion? Why should this creature be a queer icon for the rest of us? ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW If I had to pick the ultimate gay diva in the film, it would definitely be the penguins. Early studies called their same-sex behaviour depraved and hooligan-like, which was pretty harsh. But once you see them in action, you can't deny they have a wild side! Penguins are bold, fearless and full of personality. They break all the old stereotypes with their cheeky antics and strong bonds. They're not just cute, they also remind us that queer behaviour in animals is totally natural, vibrant and sometimes downright rebellious. That mix of charm and mischief makes penguins the perfect gay icons. They show us that being yourself means embracing all parts of who you are, even the wild and unexpected bits!
The Province
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
5 facts about queer animal behaviour from CBC's Animal Pride
Just in time for Pride, the documentary Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story looks are queer behaviour in the animal kingdom Chinstrap penguins of Antarctica play a role in the discussion of queer animal behaviour in the new CBC documentary Animal Pride: Nature's coming Out Story. Photo by Ryan Wilkes / Ryan Wilkes Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Victoria wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell wanted to know more about queer behaviour in the animal kingdom. The result of that curiosity is the new documentary Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Directed by Rio Mitchell, the documentary is now available on CBC Gem just as Pride season kicks into gear. 'As a gay wildlife conservationist, I've always been deeply connected to nature, but I never really encountered any information about queerness in the natural world. I've studied wildlife for years, yet it wasn't until I saw same-sex behaviour in orcas that I realized how little I knew,' Bradwell told Postmedia via email. 'That moment was a wake-up call, I'd been so focused on the more familiar aspects of nature that I missed a whole world of diversity right in front of me.' Connel Bradwell, a Victoria wildlife conservationist, wanted to know more about queer behaviour in the animal kingdom. The result of that curiosity is the new documentary Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story. Photo by Ryan Wilkes / Ryan Wilkes Bradwell discovered that for more than a century, researchers had been documenting same-sex relationships in animals but, due to societal or culture pressure, their findings were often 'hidden, removed, or dismissed.' 'What really struck me, though, was how this secrecy has impacted both the science itself and conservation efforts,' said Bradwell. 'Understanding the full range of animal behaviour, including queerness, is essential to protecting these species and the environments they rely on. 'Luckily, today there are amazing scientists who are doing this work, often against the odds, and bringing these stories forward. They're trail-blazing a path for more inclusive, honest science that better reflects the natural world.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 1. Female albatrosses raise chicks together: On islands like O'ahu, female Laysan albatross pairs form long-term bonds, some lasting decades. They mate with males to produce fertilized eggs, then return to their female partners to co-parent and raise the chicks together. Similar long-term, same-sex pairings have also been observed here in British Columbia, including among Canada geese and gulls, who nest and raise young together. 2. Queer behaviour is found in over 1,500 species: Scientists have documented same-sex sexual behaviour in more than 1,500 animal species, from insects and birds to dolphins and primates. It is not an anomaly; it is a natural, widespread part of the animal world. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 3. Banana slugs and others challenge the gender binary: Banana slugs, found in B.C.'s forests, are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female sex organs. They often exchange sperm mutually, and sometimes self-fertilize. Slugs aren't alone; many fish change sex mid-life, and fungi have thousands of genders, showing that nature often thrives in fluidity, not rigid roles. 4. Homosocial behaviour strengthens bonds: Many animal species engage in same-sex social bonding, known as homosocial behaviour. These cooperative partnerships often involve sexual behaviour and play a key role in trust and group cohesion. We filmed bighorn sheep displaying this behaviour in Radium Hot Springs showing how queerness shapes complex animal societies. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story looks at the queer behaviour in the animal kingdom and how it can shape complex animal societies. Seen here are a pair of young male bighorn sheep in Radium Hot Springs. Photo by Ryan Wilkes / Ryan Wilkes 5. There's still more to learn: Same-sex behaviour has been hidden and ignored for a long time, but it is finally being studied and understood. Many species, including penguins and orcas, require specific social structures to survive, structures that include same-sex behaviour. Understanding this diversity is crucial for better conservation. Thankfully, more scientists are now embracing and exploring this work. Read More Vancouver Canucks BC Lions News News BC Lions
Vancouver Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
5 facts about queer animal behaviour from CBC's Animal Pride
Victoria wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell wanted to know more about queer behaviour in the animal kingdom. The result of that curiosity is the new documentary Animal Pride: Nature 's Coming Out Story. Directed by Rio Mitchell, the documentary is now available on CBC Gem just as Pride season kicks into gear. 'As a gay wildlife conservationist, I've always been deeply connected to nature, but I never really encountered any information about queerness in the natural world. I've studied wildlife for years, yet it wasn't until I saw same-sex behaviour in orcas that I realized how little I knew,' Bradwell told Postmedia via email. 'That moment was a wake-up call, I'd been so focused on the more familiar aspects of nature that I missed a whole world of diversity right in front of me.' Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Bradwell discovered that for more than a century, researchers had been documenting same-sex relationships in animals but, due to societal or culture pressure, their findings were often 'hidden, removed, or dismissed.' 'What really struck me, though, was how this secrecy has impacted both the science itself and conservation efforts,' said Bradwell. 'Understanding the full range of animal behaviour, including queerness, is essential to protecting these species and the environments they rely on. 'Luckily, today there are amazing scientists who are doing this work, often against the odds, and bringing these stories forward. They're trail-blazing a path for more inclusive, honest science that better reflects the natural world.' 1. Female albatrosses raise chicks together: On islands like O'ahu, female Laysan albatross pairs form long-term bonds, some lasting decades. They mate with males to produce fertilized eggs, then return to their female partners to co-parent and raise the chicks together. Similar long-term, same-sex pairings have also been observed here in British Columbia, including among Canada geese and gulls, who nest and raise young together. 2. Queer behaviour is found in over 1,500 species: Scientists have documented same-sex sexual behaviour in more than 1,500 animal species, from insects and birds to dolphins and primates. It is not an anomaly; it is a natural, widespread part of the animal world. 3. Banana slugs and others challenge the gender binary: Banana slugs, found in B.C.'s forests, are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female sex organs. They often exchange sperm mutually, and sometimes self-fertilize. Slugs aren't alone; many fish change sex mid-life, and fungi have thousands of genders, showing that nature often thrives in fluidity, not rigid roles. 4. Homosocial behaviour strengthens bonds: Many animal species engage in same-sex social bonding, known as homosocial behaviour. These cooperative partnerships often involve sexual behaviour and play a key role in trust and group cohesion. We filmed bighorn sheep displaying this behaviour in Radium Hot Springs showing how queerness shapes complex animal societies. 5. There's still more to learn: Same-sex behaviour has been hidden and ignored for a long time, but it is finally being studied and understood. Many species, including penguins and orcas, require specific social structures to survive, structures that include same-sex behaviour. Understanding this diversity is crucial for better conservation. Thankfully, more scientists are now embracing and exploring this work.
Calgary Herald
29-05-2025
- Science
- Calgary Herald
5 facts about queer animal behaviour from CBC's Animal Pride
Article content Victoria wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell wanted to know more about queer behaviour in the animal kingdom. The result of that curiosity is the new documentary Animal Pride: Nature 's Coming Out Story. Article content Directed by Rio Mitchell, the documentary is now available on CBC Gem just as Pride season kicks into gear. Article content 'As a gay wildlife conservationist, I've always been deeply connected to nature, but I never really encountered any information about queerness in the natural world. I've studied wildlife for years, yet it wasn't until I saw same-sex behaviour in orcas that I realized how little I knew,' Bradwell told Postmedia via email. Article content Article content Article content Article content Bradwell discovered that for more than a century, researchers had been documenting same-sex relationships in animals but, due to societal or culture pressure, their findings were often 'hidden, removed, or dismissed.' Article content 'What really struck me, though, was how this secrecy has impacted both the science itself and conservation efforts,' said Bradwell. 'Understanding the full range of animal behaviour, including queerness, is essential to protecting these species and the environments they rely on. Article content 'Luckily, today there are amazing scientists who are doing this work, often against the odds, and bringing these stories forward. They're trail-blazing a path for more inclusive, honest science that better reflects the natural world.' Article content Article content Article content Article content 1. Female albatrosses raise chicks together: On islands like O'ahu, female Laysan albatross pairs form long-term bonds, some lasting decades. They mate with males to produce fertilized eggs, then return to their female partners to co-parent and raise the chicks together. Similar long-term, same-sex pairings have also been observed here in British Columbia, including among Canada geese and gulls, who nest and raise young together. Article content 2. Queer behaviour is found in over 1,500 species: Scientists have documented same-sex sexual behaviour in more than 1,500 animal species, from insects and birds to dolphins and primates. It is not an anomaly; it is a natural, widespread part of the animal world. Article content 3. Banana slugs and others challenge the gender binary: Banana slugs, found in B.C.'s forests, are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female sex organs. They often exchange sperm mutually, and sometimes self-fertilize. Slugs aren't alone; many fish change sex mid-life, and fungi have thousands of genders, showing that nature often thrives in fluidity, not rigid roles.
